Police are mystified why a motorcyclist riding with two colleagues suddenly swerved before crashing into a ditch in Far North Queensland yesterday afternoon (14 October 2019).
The 54-year-old man from Kuranda was pronounced deceased at the scene.
He was riding with two other motorcyclists when the incident happened on a dirt road at Mutchilba, near Mareeba, about 12.10pm.
Cairns Police say their preliminary investigations indicate that the three motorcycles were travelling together when the motorcycle involved swerved before leaving the road and crashed into a culvert on Middle Creek Road.
“No other vehicles were involved in the crash,” a Cairns Police spokeswoman says.
However, she confirmed they had interviewed the other two riders.
“The Forensic Crash Unit is still investigating but we are not ruling out a medical condition,” she says.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
Quote this reference number: QP1902004246
Our sincere condolences to the rider’s friends and family.
So far this year there have been 34 riders and pillions killed on Queensland roads, which is the same number as last year at the same time.
It is down on the previous three years where rider/pillion fatalities were in the 40s.
A motorcycle insurance scheme where policy holders install a tracking system in their bike in return for cheap premiums as low as $A11 a month has started in Europe.
Now they have invented a telematic product called a Vigobox that sits under your seat and tracks your motorcycle.
It informs the owner via a phone app if your motorcycle has been moved and even sends an emergency call for help if it senses you have crashed.
Vigobox is installed under your bike seat when you buy their Vigo Insurance policy and comes with an online portal to track your riding.
Cheaper policy
Some may say this is the thin edge of the wedge of privacy invasion with insurance companies able to cancel your insurance if you speed or ride at night.
Others may find it a safety device that can track a stolen vehicle and also reduce your insurance premium.
The monthly costs of the insurance (with monitoring) are from €7 (about $A11) a month.
As usual, the price depends on the motorcycle brand and type.
Market chief Petra Zagmajster says Vigo Insurance has only been available in Slovenia and Croatia a few months but is valid in all parts of Europe. It has already reached 4.6% of the market share.
“Soon we’ll enter to other EU markets,” Petra says.
C-founder Rok Upelj says the motorcycle they use to test their products was stolen from a locked garage.
“In that moment we activated the police and hoped for the best, but we had no luck,” Rok says.
“Back then the vehicle wasn’t insured, because the insurance premiums were too high. We interviewed many motorcyclists, what the most important thing in owning a motorcycle was. The end result was, that safety and theft prevention come first – and that’s when the idea for VIGO was born.”
Would you install a tracker if you got cheaper motorcycle insurance? Leave your comments below.
(Sponsored post on safety priorities for our North American readers – Image: Pexels)
No motorist wants to cause harm to other people because of their driving. But, despite the best intentions and the best efforts at avoiding accidents, they still happen. Barring the factor of negligence, this could already be the makings of an awful accident.
While the inherent danger applies to all motorists on the road, the dangers are much more amplified in the case of motorcyclists. Whether it’s due to motorcycles having lighter frames, less protection compared to cars, or being smaller and more difficult to see, the dangers that motorcycle riders face are much more significant.
While motorcycle manufacturers do their best to create motorcycles that are as safe as possible, the numbers speak to the uphill battle they face. There is still a significant number of motorcycle rider deaths and, as of now, the only true guarantee of a safe journey is the total avoidance of an accident. A lot of accidents can be averted by remaining extremely aware of all other cars and people around you so you can react to avoid an accident before it happens. And even when you have professionals like the lawyers at Tario & Associates who specialize in handling cases involving vehicular accidents, accidents are events that you’re best avoiding.
As a motorcycle rider, it’s important to be seen by other motorists on the road as it allows them to make the correct driving decisions that would prevent untoward accidents. So, what are some measures that we can take in order to make our presence of the road known to other motorists?
Daytime Running Lights
While a lot of sources will suggest using a high beam during the day time, this is counterintuitive as instead of making your presence felt to other motorists, you could end up blinding them. Daylight running lights are designed specifically for the purpose of making sure that your vehicle is visible without being too bright for other drivers.
Use Reflective Tape
You can also opt to use reflective tape on various parts of your motorcycle so that you motorcycle is more easily seen at night when drivers rely heavily on the illumination provided by the headlights of their car. This is even more important because vision at night is limited.
Wear Brightly Colored Gear
Sometimes reflective tape may not be enough to catch the attention of other motorists especially when reflective tape will almost always come in a single color. Resolve this issue by wearing brightly colored gear in order to make yourself visible.
Use Your Turn Signals
Finally, being visible isn’t going to mean much if the other motorists are unable to predict your movements. While the use of turn signals is a basic habit that all riders should have, it is one that is so easily overlooked. Many accidents can be so easily avoided just by indicating your intentions while on the road. This allows other motorists to make adjustments to their path if necessary.
The issue of safety should always be among your priorities. Vehicular accidents should never be taken lightly and as motorcycle riders, it’s important to minimize the risks involved.
A male rider has died after his motorcycle struck a telegraph pole in Ingleburn, south-west Sydney, yesterday (12 October 2019).
Police have identified the rider as a 49-year-old man from Macquarie Fields.
“He was riding a back FL series Harley-Davidson — witnesses said at high speed — when he hit the power pole,” police say.
“He sustained major head injuries, dying on impact.”
The crash happened about 12.50pm on Collins Promenade, Ingleburn.
Officers from Campbelltown City Police Area Command established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Our sincere condolences to the rider’s family and friends.
Roadside hazards
Roadside poles on Collins Promenade
A 2017 United Nations road safety report recommended the removal of roadside hazards such as poles as they are a proven cause of serious motorcycle crash injuries and deaths.
The 108-page World Health Organisation “Powered two- and three-wheeler safety” report says a motorcycle crash with a fixed roadside hazard is 15 times more likely to be fatal than a crash on the ground with no physical contact with a fixed hazard.
They also increase the severity of injuries in such crashes, it says.
The WHO report also suggests the removable of other roadside hazards such as trees, guardrails, utility poles and drainage structures.
It says the severity of a motorcycle, scooter or powered-two- or three-wheeler (PTW) crash with a roadside object depends on the speed, impact angle, surface area of the object and the impact absorption properties of the object.
They cite a study that found roadside objects were the primary cause of fatalities and another Australian and New Zealand study presented at the 2015 Australasian Road Safety Conference that concluded that almost all roadside objects are hazardous to PTW users.
“This is mainly due to the fact that all objects have been designed for safety of cars and their occupants rather than for PTWs,” it says.
The report says creating a roadside “clear zone” would not only minimise the risk of a rider hitting a hazardous object, but also provide room for them to correct errors.
“Choice of location of roadside equipment used for lighting or signage can also have a negative impact on PTW safety,” it says.
“Guardrails and crash barriers are often used to separate vehicles from roadside hazards but the design of such devices needs to take motorcyclists into account.”
Three drivers appeared in NSW courts this week on charges related to leaving the scenes of crashes that injured two motorcyclists, a pillion and a scooter rider.
One of the drivers remains in jail, the other two are on strict bail conditions.
The accidents happened in April, August and September and the appearances in NSW courts resulted in the matters again being deferred several weeks.
Hit-run 1
Molly Chaill
In the first incident in April 2019, Molly Cahill, 22, of Sans Souci, was committed to stand trial after driving her car on the wrong side of the road and crashing into a motorcycle, injuring rider Tony Nissirios, 38, and his female pillion, Sam, 26.
She faces two charges of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, failing to stop and render assistance after impact and not keeping left of a dividing line.
Her original bail conditions of a strict curfew, passport confiscation and daily reports to police were expanded when she last appeared.
She has also been ordered not to enter any international points departure, live at a specific address, not take any drugs or alcohol unless prescribed by a doctor and not occupy the driver’s seat of any vehicle.
Her hearing was this week adjourned in Sutherland Local Court to now be heard on October 31 at Sydney Downing Centre in Liverpool St.
Hit-run 2
Paul Andrew Brown, 55, remains in jail after appearing in Burwood Local Court this week over charges of failing to stop after colliding with a Vespa scooter rider in Sydney in August.
The Toyota Hilux ute driver was charged with failing to stop and render aid, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, and not exchange particulars.
The rider of the scooter, a 34-year-old woman, suffered serious injuries.
Officers from the Crash Investigation Unit found Brown’s ute parked in North Strathfield about 2.30pm the day after the crash.
After a short foot pursuit, police arrested Brown and took him to Burwood Police Station where he was refused bail.
Brown has now faced Burwood Local Court twice and the matter has been adjourned to November 5 with bail again refused.
Hit-run 3
Intersection of Schofields and Windsor roads, Rouse Hill,(Image: Google Maps)
In September, SUV driver Daniel Marjoribanks was charged after allegedly running a red light and hitting a rider at the intersection of Schofields and Windsor roads, Rouse Hill.
“The driver allegedly turned right against the red arrow and struck a motorcycle which was being ridden north through the intersection,” police will allege.
The motorcyclist, a 63-year-old man, suffered multiple compound fractures to his right leg and fractured ribs.
Fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing grievous bodily harm;
Fail to stop and assist after impact cause injury;
Drive when visiting privileges withdrawn – first offence; and
Not give particulars to injured person.
He was granted bail and appeared again in Blacktown Local Court yesterday where the matter was adjourned for mention on November 22.
Spate of hit-and-runs in courts
Our courts seem to be busy with this worrying spate of hit-and-run crashes leaving motorcyclists injured and dead.
We will continue to follow up on these hit-run incidents, as well as the matter of unlicensed British driver Graham Belcher who has been remanded in custody after an incident last month in which one rider died and another was injured.
Graham Belcher
Belcher, 52, was arrested at Brisbane International Airport as he was about to board a flight to Hong Kong.
He appeared in Tweed Heads Local Court charged with an outstanding warrant, as well as:
dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous;
fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death;
negligent driving (occasioning death);
cause bodily harm by misconduct in charge of motor vehicle;
drive while licence cancelled;
not give way to vehicle (give way sign/line); and
driver fails/refuses to disclose his identity.
Bail was refused and he was remanded in custody until November 20.
Scott Rose, wife Tenniel and his children Lacey and Nash fundraiser
A fundraiser page has been started to raise money for the family of rider Scott Rose, 39, who sadly died in the collision.
(Sponsored post on mounted motorcycle cameras for our North American readers)
Having a motorcycle is a great experience for many people. Around 13 million Americans are proud owners of motorcycles. However, these vehicles are known to have a high accident and injury risk, which is a concerning factor for many owners.
With the help of today’s technology, there are hundreds of useful gadgets motorcycles can get for security and roadside safety reasons. One of the most popular items is a motorcycle mounted camera.
Have you started noticing the growing number of motorcyclists riding around with GoPros on their helmet? There reason being is motorcyclists can use mounted helmet or dash cams to record all footage they need in case an accident happens. Recorded footage could be good evidence.
Here is a short list of other reasons why an on-board motorcycle camera is a useful tool to have.
Determining Fault of an Accident
Many traffic law experts could agree that a mounted camera is useful for riders involved in a collision or serious accident caused by another motorist. According to a Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer, part of the preparation for a valid accident claim would be to provide evidence of the scene. Helmet cam footage can be used provide vital evidence if you we’re involved in an accident and wanted to take it to court.
Most common motorcycle accidents involve distracted drivers, vehicles turning left or intoxicated drivers. If you needed to prove fault, it would be very wise to document as much as you can in case you do end up in a crash, wipe-out or if you witness of an accident. Recorded footage can protect motorcyclists from false accident accusations too.
Road-Rage Defense
There are thousands of videos up on YouTube that capture a motorcyclist in a strife with an angry and hysterical driver. If you unfortunately end up in a situation with a “road-rager,” a helmet camera can get them to step-off. Typically, when a person realizes they are being filmed, it will prevent them from doing something irrational. But in the worst case, if you were assaulted by an aggressive driver, you would catch the whole scene on camera. Like with accidents, this footage can be used as evidence if someone hurt you or damaged your motorbike.
Insurance Claims
For minor accidents that only result in property damage, a camera can come in handy with an insurance claim. Most motorcycle camera setups allow multiple angles, including POV and the dashboard view. This way when you are working it out with your insurance company, you have footage of every angle.
Vandalism & Theft
Motorcycles parked out in the open are more prone to vandalism, exterior damage (dings, scratches, dents etc.) and theft. You could strategically place a mounted camera to help catch a vandal or a thief. Another step to prevent theft is to supplement your on-board security camera with an anti-theft device like alarms and disc locks.
Is a Motorcycle Cam Only for Accidents & Damage?
Honestly, a mounted camera is a very useful piece of equipment to have for issues involving crashes, damages, theft and collecting evidence to use in court.
On the lighter side of things, a mounted camera can be used for photography and videography reasons too. If you are the creative type, a safe and hands-free way to take snapshots or videos, is to use a helmet camera such as a GoPro, if you want capture some scenery or document your adventures on the road for a montage you want to share with your buddies online.
Bottom line, all motorcyclists should consider getting a camera for informational and safety reasons, especially when the chances of an accident are high.
A 51-year-old man has died after his motorcycle was hit by a 4WD attempting to turn into a driveway in Parkinson, south of Brisbane this afternoon (9 October 2019).
Queensland Police say the accident occurred just after 3.30pm when a Nissan Patrol was travelling along Precinct Street.
They say the SUV attempted to turn into a driveway and collided with the motorcycle.
“Emergency services were called and rendered assistance to the motorcyclist. The 51-year-old man died on scene as a result of his injuries,” police say.
“The 19-year-old male driver of the Nissan Patrol did not suffer any physical injury.”
Officers from the Forensic Crash Unit are investigating the circumstances of the crash.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24 hours a day.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
A Victorian couple on a dream riding holiday through Europe are now fighting for their lives after being crushed by a tractor trailer on the Stevio Pass in northern Italy last month.
Richard Hogg, 65, and wife Lorna, 62, have only recently started breathing on their own as they recover from induced comas in an Austrian hospital.
A GoFundMe page has already raised more than $30,000 to help fund their medical bills, but more is needed for the extensive costs.
The recently retired couple and seasoned riders were on a “dream holiday” with a motorcycle tour group when tragedy struck, says son Paul who rushed to Austria to be by their bedsides.
“They were riding on the Stelvio Pass in Italy and were approaching a left-hand corner when a tractor and trailer came round the corner and rolled, crushing them and injuring others,” he says.
Richard and Lorna riding a KTM on the Stelvio Pass about an hour before tragedy struck (Image supplied by Paul Hogg)
The couple was airlifted to a nearby hospital, which wasn’t equipped to handle the severity of their injuries.
They were then rushed to University Hospital in Austria where they have both since been in induced comas while in and out of surgeries.
Both suffered leg and pelvis injuries, Lorna had a leg amputated and Richard has suffered a ruptured aorta.
Richard also suffered a minor stroke but due to his heavy sedation the impact is not yet known, says Paul.
“When they will be home is very uncertain; possibly a minimum of two months before we are home,” he says.
“Mum has another surgery on her leg tomorrow to hopefully close the wound and dad has his major pelvis reconstruction. We are also still waiting on his MRI results on his spine.”
Fund raising
Their nephew, Riley Cox, has set up the GoFundMe page to cover their enormous medical bills.
“Lorna & Dicko have spent their whole lives caring and looking after others and now they need us,” Riley says.
“They are two of the most caring, kind, determined and positive people, that even during retirement, live life to the fullest, travelling to the other side of the world on a dream holiday.”
Riley says all funds donated will help cover medical costs and repatriation to Australia, as well as ongoing rehab costs.
“Due to the severity of their injuries we don’t know how long it will be until we can bring them home, but we do know it will be a long recovery in Austria away from family and friends, followed by a long healing journey back home in Australia,” he says.
A North Carolina Harley rider has been awarded $US4m (almost $A6m) after a crash with a driver who failed to yield right-of-way in what is believed to be the world’s biggest motorcycle crash payout.
The 29-year-old rider was travelling about 15mph (about 24km/h) when he was struck by a vehicle that accelerated away from a stop sign without seeing the motorcycle.
America is renowned for its excessive compensation payouts, mainly due to high medical costs.
According to a study by US Jury Verdict Research, theaverage motorcycle accident verdict is about $A560,000 and the median verdict award just over $US70,000.
Crash payout
In Australia, payouts for motor vehicle crashes are a lot less and rarely over $1m.
In July this year, NSW lawyers Gerard Malouf and Partners secured a personal injury about of $800,000 for a motorcycle rider after a crash.
The claim not only included rider’s injuries, but also the pain and suffering of his family.
In the North Carolina case, Attorney Mark Jetton of Jetton & Meredith lawyers claimed for physical injuries, medical expenses and lost wages.
The young rider needed to be airlifted to hospital where he spent six days and now requires on-going therapy and medication.
Compensation claims
Compensation can be determined by a number of factors, such as physical and mental injuries, the rider’s age, hospital expenses, on-going medical costs, pain and suffering, motorcycle damage and loss of earnings.
A rider in his 20s has died in head-on collision on the Brisbane Valley Highway at Ironbark, near Ipswich, overnight.
Queensland Police say the crash happened about 10.55pm.
They say the motorcycle, ridden by the man from nearby Mt Crosby was heading west when it collided with a sedan travelling in the opposite direction.
The rider died at the scene and the driver and sole occupant of the car was airlifted to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital where she remains in a serious condition.
Police have no further details at this stage and Forensic Crash Unit officers are investigating.
We will update with further details as they are available.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
Our sincere condolences to the rider’s family and friends, and our best wishes to the driver for a full and speedy recovery.
