Before hopping on your motorcycle or moped, it’s important to remember the following:
- Cover your whole body with appropriate clothing such as a long sleeve-sleeve shirt, long pants and enclosed footwear
- Use impact protectors over your joints.
- Protect your skin with abrasion-resistant material in vulnerable areas.
- Check the seams on your gear: there should be more than one line of stitching and at least one line of concealed stitching on exposed seams.
- Check that all fastenings are secure and protected from contact with the road or other surfaces in a crash.
- Avoid external pockets or straps that could become tear points or snag on something.
- Use insulated, waterproof and windproof materials to protect you from the cold.
- Use reflective or light colours and ventilation to protect you from heat.
- Check that all your gear fits you properly so that it will remain in place.
- Don’t carry anything in your pockets that could cause injury.
While riding either as rider or passenger, you’re required to wear an approved helmet. This means that it’s compliant with Australian and New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS) 1698 or United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Regulation No 22 (UN ECE22.05). When helmet shopping, look for identifying marks on the helmet, such as a sewn-in label and/or a compliance sticker.
Now you’re all geared up for a safer journey. If you or someone you know has an upcoming Practical Driving Assessment (PDA), check out our article on How to gear up correctly for your upcoming PDA.
