Road and weather conditions can change during a journey. Riders should travel within the speed limit and choose a speed that suits the road surface, visibility, traffic and weather.
Motorcycles can require more time and distance to stop under some conditions. Riders should maintain a safe following distance, brake early and avoid harsh braking where possible.
Fatigue also affects concentration, judgement and reaction time. Before riding:
- consider how long you have been awake
- plan regular rest breaks
- recognise early signs of tiredness
- stop in a safe place when fatigue develops
- avoid beginning or continuing a ride when tired.
Transport for NSW advises that fatigue-related crashes are almost three times as likely to be fatal as crashes that do not involve fatigue. Being awake for 17 hours can have a similar effect on driving performance as a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05.
Every trip requires attention, regardless of its length, time or familiarity.
