1.9 Motorcyclists Being smaller than other vehicles, motorcycles are sometimes not easily seen. In addition to the road rules that apply to all road users, there are special rules to help protect motorcyclists. 1.9.1 Motorcycle safety The risk of being killed or injured on a motorcycle is far greater than in a car. All motorcyclists and their passengers must wear an approved safety helmet. If you do not wear one you will be fined and incur demerit points In the interest of safety, a motorcyclist should also: nWear protective clothing. To reduce the risk of sustaining severe injuries, you should always wear protective clothing as shown in the diagram. The minimum clothes you should wear include closed shoes (not sandals or thongs etc), long pants and a jacket, as well as a helmet. you must wear appropriate protective clothing for your practical riding assessment. See back of your learner’s permit for more details. Many lightweight items now available will protect you just as well as heavier clothing. Approved safety helmet (light colour recommended). Ensure strap is fastened. Eye protection Gloves Sturdy Footwear Jacket (bright clothing recommended). Long trousers
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n Take extra care when you carry a passenger.
You may carry one passenger on your motorcycle provided you have a pillion
seat and separate footrests. The passenger must wear an approved helmet,
sit behind the rider, face forward and have both feet on the footrests at all
times. If the passenger cannot reach footrests they are not allowed to be carried.
The rider of a motorcycle shall not ride on a road with
a passenger who has not attained 8 years of age
unless the passenger is in a sidecar.
Carrying a passenger adds weight to the motorcycle,
making it slower to respond. Adjust your riding
techniques to allow for the extra weight.
Your passenger should also wear appropriate
protective clothing. Talk to your passenger as little
as possible as it can distract you and increase your
reaction time to hazards on the road.
1.9.2 Ride to be seen by other road users
Smaller vehicles such as motorcycles appear further away and seem to be travelling
slower than they actually are. Here are some ways that you can assist other road
users to notice you:
n turn on your headlights at all times – oncoming traffic will be able to see you much
more easily;
n be ready to use your horn when passing another vehicle or whenever you are
unsure if a driver is aware of your presence;
n flashing indicators or hand signals make
you more visible – always use them;
n be visible – stay within the line of sight
of other drivers:
• do not ride in a driver’s blind spot. If
they cannot see you, they may make a
manoeuvre such as moving into another
lane, without making allowance for
your motorcycle;
• if you wish to travel at the same speed
as another vehicle, travel behind or in
front of it. This helps you to be seen;
an