A 40-year U.S. study in 2017 found a link between full moons and motorcycle fatalities. The risk rises even higher under a Super Moon, which sits closer to Earth and appears up to 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter than a normal full moon, impacting king tides, human and wildlife behaviour.
Right now, the timing couldn’t be worse, with the next three consecutive full moons being all Super Moons on October 7, November 5, and December 4. These moons also coincide with peak motorcycling season, school holidays, end-of-year and New Year celebrations, and spring and summer peak travel times, creating the “perfect storm” for road trauma.
With the road toll surging and Victoria’s road safety strategy, “going backwards faster than petrol prices go up before a long weekend,” GV Social Riders is calling for action this October.
GV Social Riders will be at the grand opening of Dirt Designz in Dhurringile to launch Motorcycle Awareness Month and will be promoting the region’s newest motorcycle venue encouraging rider education and safety.
“Dirt Designz is more than just a track – we’re about building better riders. We live and breathe motorcycles, but safety always comes first” said Damien Hill, owner and trainer at Dirt Designz. “From grassroots training to family-friendly riding, we’re passionate about supporting every rider to become smarter, safer, and stronger on two wheels.”
In addition to the open day, GV Social Riders is encouraging everyone to get creative and make their journey an adventure to boost safety and enjoyment on the road.
“Make the journey an adventure, take a selfie at each town sign, share the drive to stay alive, find and stop at the historical markers along the way and learn about the area,” said motorcyclist and road safety advocate, Jolene Doller.
She encourages road users to take regular breaks and to make them fun, get the kids onboard, check your car, caravan, motorbike or trailer is safe for the journey, and be patient on the road.
“The moon might light up the night sky, but it also casts a shadow on road safety,” said Jolene. “With three Super Moons lining up over our busiest travel time, the risk of road trauma skyrockets. We can’t control the moon, but we can control how we use the road.”
For more information, join GV Social Riders on Facebook or email gvsocialriders@gmail.com
