Safe Riding and Protective Equipment
Core concepts
Protective equipment and riding technique reduce injury and crash risk. A compliant helmet must be worn and securely fastened whenever the motorcycle is moving, and it must meet the relevant standard. Protective clothing (jacket, gloves, boots, abrasion-resistant pants) reduces injury. Visibility aids such as reflective material and a working headlight help. Technique includes smooth braking using both brakes, counter-steering, looking through corners, and avoiding target fixation. Alcohol, drugs, fatigue and distraction are major contributors to rider crashes.
Traps in questions
Questions test helmet law: it must be worn and fastened, not just carried. Another trap is believing protective clothing is optional or that a helmet alone is enough. Watch for questions about riding after drinking, riding while tired, and the effect of cold or heat on concentration. A common trap is choosing to look at the hazard you want to avoid; you should look where you want to go.
Worked example
Entering a corner too fast, a rider who stares at the edge will often run wide. Instead, look through the corner to the exit, roll off the throttle, and apply smooth braking before the corner rather than grabbing the brakes mid-turn.
Rule of thumb
Dress for the fall, not the ride: helmet fastened, gloves and boots on, and high-visibility layers.