On top of that, another 89 have been seriously injured on our roads. These stats are so much more than numbers, though.

A 23-year-old Para Hills man died in a motorcycle crash at Thebarton in March. And, in May, a 47-year-old Berri man lost his life when his motorcycle collided with a Toyota Hilux in the Riverland. In June, a 37-year-old war veteran died following a crash while riding his motorcycle in the Adelaide Hills. That’s just three of the 11 people who have been killed in motorbike crashes in SA.

These riders are so much more than a road fatality statistic – they’re our friends, sisters, partners, fathers and daughters.

So, what can be done to protect them? Whether you’re a motorcyclist or another road user, we can all play our part.

Country riding

Of the 69 motorcyclist fatalities in South Australia between 2018 and 2022, 43 were on regional roads. The Barossa, Light and Lower North and Adelaide Hills regions recorded nine motorcycle fatalities each.

In two-thirds of regional motorcycle crashes between 2018 and 2022, no other vehicles were involved. This highlights why it’s so important for motorcyclists to read the road conditions and exercise care when riding on country roads – to help them stay safe.

Unlike metropolitan roads, those in country areas might be in poorer condition with potholes or damaged edging. Many of the roads are also unsealed, meaning you need to adjust your speed and driving to match the conditions.

There are also thousands of collisions each year on Australian roads between vehicles and animals. This includes kangaroos, birds and even camels in some parts of the country. Riders need to be vigilant as a collision with an animal can be fatal. It’s important to take particular care during dawn, dusk and at night when animals are most likely to be out roaming.

One of the biggest challenges of riding on country roads is when you’re in a large group. There are usually riders with a range of abilities, and nobody wants to be left behind. Safe motorcyclists stay in their comfort zone, riding within their limits. Remember to always leave a gap of three seconds or more between you and the rider in front to give yourself enough time to safely react if there’s a problem.

Protect yourself

Thongs and a tee might sound like a good idea on a hot summer day, but not for when you’re on a motorbike. Wearing suitable protective clothing including an approved helmet, jacket, pants and boots can significantly reduce abrasion injuries in a crash.

Without the right protective clothing, in a crash, a person sliding on bitumen can lose about 1mm of flesh for every 2km/h they’re travelling over 40km/h.

The Motorcycle Clothing Assessment Program scientifically tests motorcycle safety gear to provide safety ratings, allowing riders to be informed about the level of safety afforded by their gear.

Be seen

While we’re discussing clothing, it’s important to wear gear that makes you clearly visible to other drivers. Wear reflective or brightly-coloured clothing to ensure other road users can see you in all driving conditions. It’s also a good idea to put reflective strips on your helmet and the back of your boots.

Share the road

Sharing the road is something all motorists can do to keep motorcyclists safe.

Always check your mirrors, both external and internal and indicate before changing lanes. Checking the interior mirror is critical because the external mirrors fitted to most modern vehicles make approaching vehicles appear much farther away than they really are. It’s an essential habit to get into regardless of whether there’s a motorcyclist nearby or not. However, it’s crucial when driving near a motorcyclist, particularly if they’re filtering through (riding between) lanes during peak-hour traffic. When traffic banks up, make sure you leave enough room for motorcyclists to move between the lanes.

If you’re behind a motorcycle, make sure you keep a safe distance. During wet conditions this is particularly important as it can be tougher for motorcyclists to handle oil and debris that may be on the road.

Want to overtake a motorcycle? Do it in the same way you would any other vehicle. It’s no different from overtaking a truck or any other car you encounter on the road.