Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable users on our roads with higher risk of injury in a crash. This National Road Safety Week, we're encouraging all road-users to make travel safer for everyone - including by checking blind spots when you change lanes.
Transurban road safety research has found motorists are not always confident when sharing the road with motorcyclists. Motorists are most confident (60%) when sharing local and suburban main and arterial roads (57%) with motorcyclists, and least confident when driving near motorcyclists in longer tunnels (53%) and on rural roads (52%).
Motorcyclists are more exposed, and therefore more vulnerable, and our surveyed motorists reported this is one reason they can feel less than confident when driving near motorcyclists. Another contributing factor is the perception of unpredictability. Motorcyclists experience road conditions, travel sight-lines and other factors differently to other motorists, and may make decisions on the road that appear unpredictable to others, but that make sense to anyone on a motorbike.
For example, an uneven road surface will be noticeable to a motorcyclist long before anyone driving a car or truck may notice it - and they may need to take action to avoid a rough patch other motorists are unaware of.
So how can we all understand each other better on the road? Here's our tips for safe road sharing.
Blind spot awareness
Blind spots are places around your vehicle you can't see when driving with your eyes on the road ahead. Use your mirrors and do shoulder-checks before changing lanes or turning. And when you check, pay attention - are you really looking or going through the motions? "I looked but I didn't see them" are not words you want to ever have to say.
And remember, if you're driving directly behind a motorcyclist - you could be in a blind spot. Motorcycle mirrors don't show everything and no one can (or should try) turning their head that far around while riding in traffic.
Motorcyclists should also pay special attention to vehicle and truck blind spots - if you must travel in one, for example, inside a tunnel, keep an eye out for spots you can safely move into if needed.
Safe distances
How far is safe? Give yourself three seconds to react to anything unexpected. Do this by picking a spot on the road ahead. Start counting when the motorcyclist in front reaches this spot. If you reach the same spot in three seconds or more, you're good. Make it four or five seconds if it's raining or visibility is low.
Indicators
Start indicating early enough that those around you can adjust and give you space. Motorcyclists and trucks both need more time to slow than most cars, trucks because they are heavier, motorcyclists because gentler braking is safer.
Overtaking
Hard braking is an advanced skill for all road users, but for motorcyclists it is especially risky, and getting it wrong could mean a fall. Don't assume everyone on the road has the same skills as you: give bikes space, use your indicators and allow time for them to make room for you if needed.
Intersections
Driving predictably through intersections, following road rules, road markings and signage makes it easier for other road users to adjust and let you through. And motorcyclists will likely anticipate your movements based on what's expected - and may not be able to adjust their trajectory in time if you, for example, turn from the wrong lane.
Gear up every time
You might be the safest rider in town, or you might only be nipping out to the shops - but no one else on the road knows this. Every ride you take, there's no guarantee no one else will make a mistake. Always gear up. Check how safe your gear is.
Say thank you
Saying thank you when someone makes room for you or otherwise helps you out helps make the road a friendlier place to be. A wave of thanks (or a nod of the head if you're on a bike and don't have a free hand) is always appreciated.
