Bold campaign helping Victorian riders put safety first

Published date: 12 Oct 2026

A bold new Transport Accident Commission (TAC) campaign is urging Victorian motorcyclists to check the safety rating of their gear before hitting the road, helping reduce their risk of serious injury in a crash.

The TAC has launched its Check Your Gear Before You Hit the Road campaign alongside MotoCAP, Australia’s independent motorcycle protective gear testing and star rating system.

The campaign encourages people who ride motorcycles to use MotoCAP‘s independent safety ratings to compare motorcycle protective gear and choose safer protective gear to wear on every ride.

Central to the campaign is a new digital-focused advertisement and social media content series featuring a dramatised simulator that demonstrates the extreme forces riding gear can be subjected to in a crash. The new ad highlights the important role high-quality protective equipment can play in reducing the severity of injuries.

Motorcyclists are overrepresented in Victoria's road trauma. While motorcycles account for fewer than four per cent of registered vehicles, riders represent around 21 per cent of fatalities and 20 per cent of serious injuries.

Research has found that riders wearing motorcycle protective gear are less likely to require hospital admission following a crash. Wearing a motorcycle jacket can reduce the likelihood of hospital admission by 21 per cent, motorcycle pants by 51 per cent, and protective gloves by 59 per cent.

However, not all motorcycle gear offers the same level of protection.

MotoCAP testing, conducted at the Deakin Institute for Frontier Materials, has shown that the protective performance of motorcycle gear sold in Australia can vary significantly, regardless of price or brand, with its star rating system designed to help riders choose gear that provides maximum protection.

A key priority of the Victorian Government’s Road Safety Strategy, and the TAC, is increasing the number of motorcyclists who wear protective gear that covers their whole body on every ride.

The campaign will commence on 9 October, with a focus on social media, YouTube and radio, and have a highly visible presence around the MotoGP in late October. Riders can check the rating of their current gear or other equipment on the market at motocap.com.au

Quotes attributable to Transport Accident Commission CEO, Tracey Slatter

"The right protective gear can make a significant difference in a crash, which is why we're encouraging riders to check the safety ratings of their gear and make informed choices about what they wear."

"We know people who ride motorbikes face a higher risk of serious injury in a crash, which is why having the best protection possible every time you ride is so important."

"MotoCAP provides riders with access to independent information about how protective gear performs, helping them choose options that offer the highest level of protection."

Quote attributable to MotoCAP Chief Scientist and Associate Professor, Christopher Hurren

"MotoCAP testing shows that brand and price are not a reliable indicator of protection.”

“MotoCAP is a powerful tool for a rider looking to buy new gear or check how their current gear performs. It removes doubt and enables you to make an informed decision on the right gear for your bike and riding style – the next time you are buying gear use MotoCAP to find out the best options for your bike and riding style.”

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