Double the risk for motorcyclists who shun boots

19 Feb 2016

Motorcyclists without boots stand almost double the chance of receiving lower-leg open wounds in a crash, new Transport Accident Commission research has found.

The TAC released the findings of its study as motorcyclists gear up for next weekend's round of the 2016 Superbike World Championship at Phillip Island.

The study revealed that 47 per cent of riders wearing inappropriate footwear when they crashed – such as shoes, runners, sandals or thongs – received open-wound injuries. By contrast, 25 per cent of motorcyclists wearing boots received open wounds.

Open-wound injuries include flesh wounds, traumatic amputations, burns, blood vessel damage and superficial injuries. 

TAC Senior Road Safety Manager Samantha Cockfield said the research highlighted the importance of wearing motorcycle-specific footwear when riding.

"Riders don't have  anywhere near the level of protection as drivers in a crash, so wearing the best protective gear that is available makes a  lot of sense," Ms Cockfield said.

"Everyday footwear provides almost no protection in a crash. In many cases, it will be dragged off as the rider tumbles along the road.

"Motorcycle boots are specifically designed to stay on during a crash and provide protection from impacts and abrasion," Ms Cockfield said.

Other ankle covering boots, such as work boots, are better than everyday shoes but not as good as protective boots.

The TAC findings were drawn from a survey of 763 Victorian motorcyclists who were injured in on-road crashes between 2010 and 2014. Of those who were wearing riding boots in an accident, 47 per cent received a lower limb injury – compared to 55 per cent of riders wearing other boots and 63 per cent for those wearing other shoes.

Riders represent less than 4 per cent of vehicles on Victoria's roads but their vulnerability has meant they've accounted for 16 per cent of all road deaths and 17 per cent of serious injuries. Last year, 30 motorcyclists died in Victoria, while 1093 were hospitalised with injuries in the 2014/15 financial year.

Those wanting to find out more about staying safe and wearing the right gear can visit the motorcycle website www.spokes.com.au

Wearing the best protective gear available makes a lot of sense, says the TAC

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