
Stop SMIDSY
Motorcycle riders face a distinct set of challenges, both on and off the road, from mutterings of “Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You” (SMIDSY), dangerous road surfaces and wire barriers, to inconsistent road rules from state to state.
We are working alongside our friends in the motorcycling industry to try to sort out this unfair treatment of riders. Our expertise on rider issues and our partnerships with key rider representative organisations enables us to advocate for riders’ rights and to provide expert advice and representation to riders.
On this page and on our Stop SMIDSY Facebook page, you can find information on common issues riders face. We encourage you to join in the conversation and take part in our campaigns.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, call Maurice Blackburn for advice. We are experts in rider claims and it won’t cost you a cent to find out where you stand.
Want to remind others to slow down and watch for riders? Click here to have a free Stop SMIDSY bumper sticker mailed to you.
Something happen on the road?
We take calls 24/7
Riding issues
Lane filtering
Even though research shows it’s safer for riders and eases traffic congestion, lane filtering has not been legalised in some Australian states and is still widely misunderstood by drivers.
It’s time for national consistency and a comprehensive driver awareness campaign on this important road rule.

Distracted driving
Recent research suggests Australian drivers are distracted around 45% of the time on our roads. Despite hefty fines, smartphone usage while on the road is on the rise.
No one is more aware of this than riders, who can see the offending motorists while they are filtering or stopped at intersections. Distracted drivers are a common cause of motorcycle accidents, so any increase in distraction can be fatal for riders.

Road resurfacing
Debris left on the road after repair work is incredibly dangerous for motorcyclists and has caused serious injuries to riders. Click here to read about our client Stephen, who was injured after a bad road repair caused his bike to slip.
The debris, which can stretch out for the entire width of a road and be metres long, is often left for several days before a contractor returns to sweep it away. We need to get to the bottom of why it’s happening and how to stop it.
Join us for these upcoming events
All the latest SMIDSY news
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The curious case of road rules and helmet regulations in Australia
With many riders cruising across state lines, you should be prepared for what is legal in each state so you don’t cop any u…
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The danger of poor quality road surfaces
Potholes, debris, gravel, poor maintenance and soft bitumen can cause bikes to slip and riders to get injured. So what are t…
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Long awaited helmet law reform part of new National Road Rules
Changes to the Australian Road Rules that have been implemented following last year’s comprehensive review of r…
Something happen on the road?
We take calls 24/7

Andrew McKenzie
Queensland Head of Road Injuries"Andrew McKenzie is a passionate fighter for what is fair. He is a Principal at Maurice Blackburn and head of our Queensland personal injury department"

Danielle De Paoli
Special Counsel"Danielle De Paoli is Special Counsel of Maurice Blackburn’s Parramatta office. She is a Law Society of NSW Personal Injury Accredited Specialist."

Katie Minogue
Senior Associate"Katie Minogue is a Senior Associate in Maurice Blackburn’s Victoria road and work accident injuries compensation practices. She leads our Traralgon office and helps people in the Gippsland area with their TAC and WorkCover claims."

Lloyd Toffolon
Lawyer"Lloyd Toffolon is a personal injury compensation lawyer in Maurice Blackburn’s Ringwood office. Lloyd has a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws from Deakin University."

Alice Lau
Senior Associate"Alice Lau is a Senior Associate in Maurice Blackburn’s Victorian road accident injuries compensation practice, working in the Dandenong office. She is a Law Institute of Victoria personal injury accredited specialist."
It doesn’t cost you anything to know where you stand
We take calls 24/7