Tag Archives: accident

Tips for Staying Safe While Riding at Night

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Going on a night ride can be a calming and exhilarating experience for any motorcycle enthusiast. The absence of traffic and more quiet surroundings are just some of the reasons why riding at night is worthwhile.

But apart from quiet and open streets, bikers still face considerable risks as the streets go darker and darker. Accidents are more likely to happen during the night, so you will have to be extra careful when they begin their journey at sundown.

For that, let’s take a look at a few practical tips to keep yourself safe and secured.

  1. Check your lights

Perhaps the most important bit of maintenance you should be routinely performing is checking and testing your lights. For this, focus on the headlight and turn signals. Electrical issues can cause these lights to malfunction, so you should be able to check for wiring problems. Most commonly, you will just need to replace the bulbs for when they burn out. The last thing you want as a biker on the roads at night is for people driving a car or truck to be unable to see you.

  1. Keep yourself visible

You could thank street lamps for illuminating your path, but when you’re in certain areas where you’re almost invisible, you might want to make sure that you and your bike are highly visible to other motorists. One option is to install LED lights. You can also wear reflective jackets and pants and add reflective tape to certain parts of your motorcycle. Not only will these approaches help you avoid oncoming traffic, but they will also protect you from the dangers lurking behind every corner.

  1. Drive sober

If driving under the influence during the day is considered dangerous, then a night ride after a few drinks is a deathwish. Many motorcycle accidents are caused by irresponsible riders. Going on a late night drinking spree won’t be all that worthwhile if you’d end up spending the rest of the night in the hospital, or worse. Never give in to the temptation if you really want to get home in one piece. But often, there will be a traffic collision in which you’re not the one who’s intoxicated. Especially if you’re left with major fractures and made to go on an extensive hospital stay, you will need to work with a drunk driving lawyer who can help you get properly compensated after an accident.

  1. Stay alert

Drunk drivers are the only risks you should worry about during a night ride. You also need to be cautious of places where animals cross as well as other obstacles on the road such as open manholes, road bumps, and traffic cones. As a good rule of thumb, you should be able to regulate your speed. Doing so gives you enough time to react on the last minute after spotting an obstruction.

You can’t really avoid going on a night ride where there are too many risks to your safety. But with these tips in mind, you can avoid being another casualty in the dark.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Take the online motorcycle safety quiz

A new motorcycle “Always On” safety campaign featuring an online 10-question quiz and video has just been launched by VicRoads but has already attracted some criticism.

Quiz quizzedABS VicRoads Always On safety campaign and quiz brakes

Most motorcycle representatives we spoke to are pleased there is a campaign about motorcycle safety.

However, there was some criticism of the quiz wording, the video edits and the over-reliance on electronic rider aids.

Motorcycle instructors and Victorian Government’s Motorcycle Experts Advisory Committee were consulted in the initial stages, but not the final edit.

MEAP rep Dean Marks says the test wording and video are consequently “flawed”.

“VicRoads will get eaten by experienced riders and instructors and the rest of the MEAP group and instructors,” he says.

Fellow MEAP rep and Victorian Motorcycle Council chair Peter Baulch says he hopes riders “get something out of the survey”.

However, he says the producers “have again adopted the ‘we know best’ attitude”.

Video errors include the rider entering a corner and gearing up, not down, and at a hairpin the rider accelerates instead of slowing.

Rider aids

One of the main flaws is the over-reliance on electronic rider aids such as ABS to save lives.

The video features a new Triumph Street Scrambler (good taste!) that comes with ABS and traction control.

ABS VicRoads Always On safety campaign and quiz brakes

The questionnaires states: “ABS stops wheel lock, traction control senses traction loss and stability control monitors the way you’re riding. These technologies work together to keep you on your bike.”

Peter queried the wording.

“I actually think road safety messages to riders should shift from ‘get a better bike’ (that is, get bikes with ABS) to a message along the lines of ‘become a better rider’,” he says.

Mandatory ABSABS VicRoads Always On safety campaign and quiz brakes

ABS becomes mandatory in November on new motorcycles over 125cc, while bikes with lower engine capacities must have either combined brakes systems (CBS) or ABS.

While authorities promote ABS as reducing crashes by 30%, motorcycle experts dispute the figures and say it dangerously gives riders a false sense of security.

The 2009 Maids Report reverse engineered almost 1000 accidents and found that in 80-87% of crashes riders took no evasive action such as braking, sub-limit braking or swerving.

Therefore, ABS would have had no effect.

VicRoads blunders

It’s not the first time VicRoads has overstated the effect of ABS on road safety.

In 2016, university safety researcher Ross Blackman criticised a VicRoads brochure that stated: “A motorcycle with ABS enhances your riding skills and techniques by preventing the wheels from locking, skidding and sliding under.”

Quite simply, no technology makes you a better rider. It only helps compensate for poor skills or emergencies, he said.

The VicRoads brochure also suggested riders retro-fit ABS, but there is no known aftermarket product.

VicRoads apologised for the misleading information and error when we pointed them out.

ABS is simply no substitute for good rider skills and the only way to get them is through training and practice.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Lower speeds at regional intersections

A plan to temporarily lower speed limits on regional highway intersections when approaching side-road traffic is detected may not work for motorcycles.

The technology has been initially installed at the intersection of Glenelg Highway and Dunkeld-Cavendish Road and Penshurst-Dunkeld Road, near Dunkeld, Victoria, and will be rolled out across the state.

Watch this video to see how it works.

The problem for riders is that it uses the same inductor loop technology deployed at traffic lights that often fails to detect small motorcycles.

Click here to read how to improve your chances of detection by these loops.

Lower regional speeds

The new technology follows a recent call to reduce speed limits on unsealed country roads.

VicRoads says this new side-road-activated speed technology will trigger an electronic speed sign to lower the speed from 100km/h to 70km/h on the Glenelg Highway.

“There are no plans to install speed cameras through the side-road-activated reduced speed zones,” VicRoads told us.

However, we expect there may be extra policing at these intersections to enforce compliance.

The electronic speed limit sign will also be activated by vehicles waiting to turn right from Glenelg Highway on to either Dunkeld-Cavendish Road or Penshurst-Dunkeld Road.

Lower speed limits on rural intersections
Glenelg Highway image shows Dunkeld-Cavendish Road on the left and Penshurst-Dunkeld Road on the right (Google Maps).

“The reduced speed limit will stay activated until there are no more vehicles on the side roads waiting to enter or cross the main road,” VicRoads says.

VicRoads is also installing short lengths of “flexible steel guard fence” in front of the new electronic signs to reduce the risk of motorists crashing into them.

Local rider Anthony Morrison says he is concerned about the new technology.

“My concern naturally as a rider coming along a 100km/h zone and suddenly presented with a 70 speed sign with a car behind me is scary just like the 40 with flashing lights,” he says.

Click here for more on the 40km/h emergency vehicle rule.

History of crashes

VicRoads says 70% of fatal intersection crashes in regional Victoria occur on high-speed roads.

“Intersections in regional areas have a greater risk due to higher travel speeds, particularly where small side roads meet main roads,” VicRoads says.

“This intersection near Dunkeld has seen two crashes in the past five years, with one resulting in serious injuries.”

VicRoads claims the benefits of side-road-activated speeds are:

  • Instructing drivers on the main road to slow down if there are other vehicles approaching from side roads;
  • giving drivers on the main road more time to react if side traffic fails to give way;
  • giving drivers on side roads more time to assess gaps in traffic and enter the main road safely;
  • letting drivers know they’re approaching an intersection, which will prepare them for any merging traffic; and 
  • significantly reducing the severity of crashes due to the reduced speed limit when traffic is merging from side roads.

“A similar program in New Zealand has reduced serious and fatal crashes at intersections by 89% since 2012,” VicRoads says.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Rider fighting for life after vehicle changes lanes

A Townsville rider is fighting for his life after being seriously injured in a crash last night when a vehicle changed lanes.

Police say the rider was travelling northbound on the Ring Road at Douglas about 7pm (10 June 2019) when a vehicle is believed to have changed lanes.

The rider was forced to take evasive action, lost control and was thrown from his motorcycle.

He was located by passing motorists unconscious on the road and taken to the Townsville Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the vehicle stopped at the scene and spoke with police.

Forensic Crash Unit is continuing its investigation.

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 best wishes to the rider for a speedy recovery.

Lane-changing crashes

The lane-change crash is one of four common accidents involving motorcycles and other vehicles as shown in the above NSW Transport video.

It is often the combined result of a rider being in the driver’s blind spot and the driver failing to look before changing lanes.

We all know drivers don’t look for motorcyclists for a variety of reasons.

It can be haste, ignorance, arrogance and even the lack of fear for the consequences. After all, hitting a motorcycle is less damaging than hitting a truck or another car.

Detecting a vehicle that is about to change lanes can be difficult, especially at highway speeds as it only takes a small movement to make a car change lanes.

However, riders can take these steps to avoid such accidents:

  1. Spend as little time as possible riding in another vehicle’s blind spot;
  2. If you can see the driver’s eyes in their wing mirror, then they can (but not necessarily will) see you;
  3. Look for any movement in the driver’s head or hands as this could indicate they are about to change lanes;
  4. Be aware of slight changes in the vehicle’s lane position as it could mean they are leaving the lane;
  5. If you’re lucky, they will indicate first, so you have time to slow and take evasive action;
  6. When passing vehicles take a wide berth, look for an escape route and pass them promptly, even if it requires a bit of extra speed; and
  7. Check your own mirrors in case another vehicle is following you as that will affect your avoidance strategy.

You can also alert drivers to your presence by blowing your horn or flashing your lights.

However, these may be illegal in some jurisdictions and could give the false message that you are letting them merge into your lane.

Don’t trust loud pipes to save you. Most drivers have their windows up, air-conditioning on and the radio turned up loud, so they may not hear you, anyway.

Besides, your pipes are facing away from the driver.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

5 Tips That Could Help You Avoid a Motorcycle Accident

(Sponsored post for our North American readers)

In the U.S., 5,286 people died from motorcycle accidents in 2016. Sadly, there is a much higher risk for fatalities in motorcycle accidents than car accidents. While there is no way to guarantee your safety on a motorcycle, there are a few things you can do to decrease your chances of an accident.

1. Use the Recommended Safety Gear

Certain places have rules mandating riders to wear protective gear on motorcycles. But even if your state does not require you to wear a helmet or other safety gear, you should. Doing so can keep you safe.

For instance, a safety vest makes you more visible to other drivers. Without one, you could go unnoticed by a driver switching lanes. But with one, you are more visible. They might see you before changing lanes or making a turn.

2. Go at a Safe Speed

If you drive too quickly, you put yourself at risk. When you speed, other drivers may not have time to react to you. You also have less control of your motorcycle. If there is a hazard in the road or a sudden traffic jam, you might not be able to stop in time.

Usually, a safe speed is the posted speed limit. But there is an exception. In bad weather, you should drive slower than usual. The roads are more dangerous, and you need to be able to stop suddenly. If you drive a safe speed, you can keep control on slippery roads or in windy conditions.

3. Remain Alert

Most people are guilty of distracted driving at some point in their life. Although the act is always dangerous, it’s even more hazardous on a motorcycle.

You need to always remain alert on your motorcycle. Sometimes, other drivers won’t see you. To avoid an accident, you must pay attention to all of the other vehicles on the road. When you pass through gaps in traffic, be on the lookout for cars changing lanes. You should also have extra caution at intersections and stop signs.

4. Stay Out of Blind Zones

If a car driver decides to change lanes, they usually look at their side and rearview mirrors. However, this doesn’t give them complete visibility. You may be in their blind zone. If you want to avoid an accident, you need to try to stay out of the blind zones of other vehicles.

To accomplish this, you should stay near the front of other vehicles. If possible, stay in another driver’s line of sight. You should also avoid riding between traffic lanes and parked vehicles. When you venture too close to a parked car, you risk a passenger opening their door and hitting you. Additionally, you risk a pedestrian stepping out in front of you.

5. Stay Up-to-Date on Maintenance

Whether you use your bike regularly or only on rare occasions, you need to stay up-to-date on your maintenance. This means keeping all of its parts in good condition. You should regularly check your brakes, lights, tires, and exhaust. If you fail to do so, a malfunction could cause you to be involved in an accident.

No matter how carefully you might drive, you could find yourself a victim of an accident. If you do, the stakes are high. You could lose your life or suffer from a permanent injury. With the help of a motorcycle accident lawyer in Miami, you can seek compensation for your injuries. You could receive money for your medical bills and more.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Rider dies in crash with turning truck

A 34-year-old male motorcycle rider has died in a crash with a truck that appears to have been turning across his path.

The accident happened about 2.15pm yesterday (7 June 2019) in Garfield Road East, Riverstone, in Sydney’s north-west.

Police have been told the motorcycle was travelling east along Garfield Road East when it collided with a Hino truck which was believed to be turning right on to Edmund Street.

The top photo shows the view the truck driver would have before turning right into Edmund St.Truck crash turning

The rider was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics but died at the scene.

The male driver of the truck was uninjured.

Officers from Quakers Hill 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.

Any charges arising from the incident are not expected until the Coroner concludes their report.

Our sincere condolences to the rider’s family and friends.

Common crashes

Most accidents involving motorcycles and other vehicles occur when the other vehicle is turning across their path.

The result can be lethal as the rider hits the vehicle in a t-bone fashion, rather than a glancing blow.

There are a number of scenarios of turning-vehicle crashes where the rider is completely blameless and others where they are at partial or complete fault.

But in the end, it doesn’t matter whose fault it is if the rider is dead.

These are the four most common crash situations where the other motorist is turning, often without looking for motorcycles:

  1. Oncoming driver turns across the rider’s path to enter a property or side street;
  2. Vehicle pulls out of a side street into the path of the motorcycle;
  3. Motorist pulls over to perform a u-turn without looking; and
  4. A vehicle in front suddenly turns without indicating just as a rider is overtaking them.

Look for these signs

We all know drivers don’t look for motorcyclists for a variety of reasons.

So riders need to assume the worst and look out for these signs in the above impending SMIDSY (Sorry Mate, I didn’t See You) situations:

  1. If an approaching vehicle has its indicators on, assume they may turn without giving way to you and look for movement of the wheels and the driver’s head turning;
  2. Be suspicious of all vehicles coming out of side streets (left or right) and again check their wheels and the driver’s head to see if they have seen you;
  3. Treat any vehicle that pulls over as a possible u-turn or at least that they will suddenly open their door and step out in front of you; and
  4. If the vehicle in front suddenly slows, don’t take the opportunity to pass them. Be cautious that they could be about to make a turn, even if they haven’t indicated.

How to avoid SMIDSY crashesTurning crash

In all the above four situations, slow down and be prepared to take some sort of evasive action, looking for a possible escape route.

If the driver is on a side street or oncoming, try to make eye contact with them.

Make yourself seen by moving in your lane.

You can also alert drivers to your presence by blowing your horn or flashing your lights, although these may be illegal in some jurisdictions and could give the false message that you are letting them cross your path.

Don’t trust loud pipes to save you. Most drivers have their windows up, air-conditioning on and the radio turned up loud, so they may not hear you, anyway.

Besides, in all these situations, your pipes are facing away from the driver.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Top Causes and Ways to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents

(Sponsored post for our North American readers)

Some people consider riding a motorcycle, not just a pure hobby, but  a lifestyle. Sense of adventure, excitement, and passion are some of the significant reasons why motorcycle enthusiasts ride. However, it can also be dangerous. Several factors can contribute to motorcycle accidents. And, both new and trained riders should know the common causes of this kind of accident and how they are going to avoid them. If you are among the motorcycle enthusiasts, the following information could help you on your next ride.

1.Hitting A Patch of Gravel or Sand

There are times that a rider may come across the rough patch across the road where it can cause panic as well as the loss of control over the vehicle. Tip: Give yourself a perfect time to register and then, respond to the obstacles. Make sure to have an open field of vision so that you can see your surroundings.

  1. A Car Turning Left in Front of You

Motorists may collide with your motorcycle while they are turning left around the corner and this kind of accident can be either due to the inattention of the drivers or you are in their blind spot. Tip: You can prevent this kind of collision by slowing down and gauging the other vehicle that is going to turn left. 

  1. A Car Hitting You from Behind

In a case where you are halting at an intersection or crosswalk to avoid something in front of you when a driver behind does not see you, it can result in them plowing into your bike. This kind of accident is known as “rear-ender.” Tip: make sure to slow down gradually before halting. You can also pull over to the roadside at intersections and then flash your brake lights to alert the other vehicles of your presence.

  1. Front Brake Was Locked

A cop, a deer, or a group of people suddenly appear in front of you, and you grab a fistful of your front brake. This kind of action can make your motorcycle cartwheel down the road. Tip: You need to learn how to use your front brake. Although it may be counter-intuitive, it can help you slow down much quicker than with engine braking.

  1. A Car Door Opened

A terrible motorcycle accident may occur if drivers fail to check the way is a clear before they pull out of a car park or open their door. Tip: To avoid a motorcycle accident caused by this circumstance, try to avoid riding closely to parked vehicles on a busy street. On the other hand, if it is impossible to avoid, you can ride at a regulated speed and be alert to signs of activities in parked vehicles.

A motorcycle ride can cause you incomparable excitement and happiness, but at the same time, road accidents. If you encounter these accidents, you can consult a motorcycle accident attorney to help you settle things and safely continue your lifestyle.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

George Clooney opens up on scooter crash

Movie star George Clooney says he is giving motorcycling a rest after a scooter crash in Italy last year that split his helmet in half.

Clooney, along with his friend Brad Pitt, is a great lover of motorcycles. He has been photographed on a variety of bikes including BMWs, Moto Guzzis, Harleys and Triumphs.

George Clooney crash accident
Clooney riding with a friend

Even though he crashed in Sardinia in June last year, he is only now talking about the incident because he is spruiking his new Stan series Catch 22.

He has been telling various media organisations that the crash happened while he was filming the TV series.

Clooney’s scooter crash

George Clooney crash accident
Clooney’s crashed scooter

Clooney says a Mercedes driver pulled out in front of his max-scooter when he was travelling at about 110km/h.

He was thrown from the scooter and the impact split his helmet in two and knocked him out of his shoes.

Now, we have two questions: What sort of helmet was it and was he wearing sneakers or elasticised boots?

We’ve seen photos of him on motorbikes and he doesn’t seem to be wearing decent motorcycle gear. Sometimes he just wears sneakers, jeans, no jacket and even no helmet!

George Clooney crash accident
At least the boots look sturdy!

That may be fine for putt-putting around Lake Como’s quaint villages where he lives.

However, if he’s travelling 110km/h on a maxi-scooter, surely he should be wearing proper motorcycle protective gear.

Set an exampleGeorge Clooney crash accident

Having celebrities riding motorcycles is great for motorcycling as it inspires people to follow suit.

But it’s not a great advertisement for motorcycling if they crash without wearing proper gear.

He needs to set an example to other riders.

It’s also not great for motorcycling when he says he may be giving up on riding.

He actually says: “If you get nine lives, I got all of them used up at once — so I can let go of motorcycle riding for a while.”

Notice he is not giving up for ever!

Hopefully, if he gets back on a motorcycle or scooter he will wear proper gear and promote the importance of wearing the correct protection.

If he’s still concerned about riding again, maybe he should read our tips for getting back in the saddle after a crash!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Will George Clooney after ride his crash?

Movie star George Clooney says he is giving motorcycling a rest after a scooter crash in Italy last year that split his helmet in half.

Clooney, along with his friend Brad Pitt, is a great lover of motorcycles. He has been photographed on a variety of bikes including BMWs, Moto Guzzis, Harleys and Triumphs.

George Clooney crash accident
Clooney riding with a friend

Even though he crashed in Sardinia in June last year, he is only now talking about the incident because he is spruiking his new Stan series Catch 22.

He has been telling various media organisations that the crash happened while he was filming the TV series.

Clooney crash

George Clooney crash accident
Clooney’s crashed scooter

Clooney says a Mercedes driver pulled out in front of his max-scooter when he was travelling at about 110km/h.

He was thrown from the scooter and the impact split his helmet in two and knocked him out of his shoes.

Now, we have two questions: What sort of helmet was it and was he wearing sneakers or elasticised boots?

We’ve seen photos of him on motorbikes and he doesn’t seem to be wearing decent motorcycle gear. Sometimes he just wears sneakers, jeans, no jacket and even no helmet!

George Clooney crash accident
At least the boots look sturdy!

That may be fine for putt-putting around Lake Como’s quaint villages where he lives.

However, if he’s travelling 110km/h on a maxi-scooter, surely he should be wearing proper motorcycle protective gear.

Set an exampleGeorge Clooney crash accident

Having celebrities riding motorcycles is great for motorcycling as it inspires people to follow suit.

But it’s not a great advertisement for motorcycling if they crash without wearing proper gear.

He needs to set an example to other riders.

It’s also not great for motorcycling when he says he may be giving up on riding.

He actually says: “If you get nine lives, I got all of them used up at once — so I can let go of motorcycle riding for a while.”

Notice he is not giving up for ever!

Hopefully, if he gets back on a motorcycle or scooter he will wear proper gear and promote the importance of wearing the correct protection.

If he’s still concerned about riding again, maybe he should read our tips for getting back in the saddle after a crash!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Show of concern for rider safety

Riders have been called to show their support and concern for their safety tomorrow ahead of a major Victorian Road Trauma Summit next Friday (31 May 2019).

Melbourne riders are asked to gather outside the ABC studios at 120 Southbank Boulevard tomorrow from 9-10.30am during a radio forum on safety that previews the government’s summit.

They are also urged to contact the talkback number (1300 222 774 or SMS 0437 774 774 rates apply) to voice their concerns about rider safety.

The ABC’s Jon Faine will host a panel on Radio 774 discussing the road toll and what can be done.

The panel includes the Traffic Accident Commission, VicRoads, Monash University Accident Research Centre and Police.

You can listen in here.

Victorian lives lostWhat to do if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident crash

So far this year, 26 motorcyclists have died on Victorian roads which is nine above the five-year average of 17 and 10 more than last year. Many more have been injured and there haas been a spate of hit-and-run accidents leaving riders dead or injured.

The state government’s summit on Friday will include experts from the TAC, VicRoads, VicPol, MUARC, RACV, Road Trauma Support Services Victoria and cycling and motorcycle advocates including the Victorian Motorcycle Council and the Motorcycle Expert Advisory Panel.

It will be hosted by Minister for Roads, Road Safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville.

Community roundtables will also be held across regional Victoria where road deaths have spiked at 72 compared with 41 in metropolitan Melbourne.

The summit will build on the $1.4 billion Towards Zero road safety strategy, Jaala says.

Riders respond

Victorian Motorcycle Council spokesman John Eacott says there is an urgent need for an independent agency to gather and collate statistics.

Other issues include:

  • A proper campaign to educate all road users about filtering, both for safety and for congestion relief;
  • Urgent implementation of an advanced and/or refresher training programme for all riders with a government subsidy;
  • Completely stop any reference to ‘returning riders’ in any way, shape or form when discussing stats as there are no statistics available to identify any such subset; and
  • Funding for rural road upkeep – primary safety to prevent accidents instead of secondary safety spending to mitigate accident severity.

“The shock horror use of year-to-date fatalities instead of rolling 12-month or five-year averages is a constant irritation,” he says.

The Motorcycle Riders Association of Victoria believes the spike in the Victorian road toll has three main contributing factors:

  1. Inadequate crash data leading to bad policies and countermeasures;
  2. Neglected roads left in dangerous condition by VicRoads; and
  3. Incompetence in road management.

Spokesman Damien Codognotto says road authorities tend to blame the victims “rather than investigate and fix their own shortcomings”.

“The 2019 crash spike is not a spike in bad road user behaviour, it’s a failure in road safety policy and road management,” he says.

“Road authorities may divert attention from shortcomings in their systems with expensive media campaigns and/or road safety summits.”

The MRA is calling an independent office of road safety data, abolition of the motorcycle safety levy and a stop to the rollout of wire rope barriers with the funds saved used to repair neglected country roads.

“You can’t develop reliable road safety policies without reliable crash data collected in Australian conditions,” he says.

“Solving data problems is critical to motorcycle safety but the Victorian organisations dealing with our data do not want the public to think their systems are less than perfect.”

Lives lost to midnight 23 May 2019, Victoria

2018 Lives lost 2019 Lives lost
85 131 (up 54.1%)
Fatalities (equivalent periods)
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 5 year
average
99 104 113 100 85 100
Gender
Gender 2018 2019 Change % change 5 year
average
Female 26 33 7 27% 27
Male 59 98 39 66% 73
Unknown 0 0 0 0% 0
Road user
Road user 2018 2019 Change % change 5 year
average
Bicyclist 1 5 4 400% 4
Driver 39 60 21 54% 46
* *“>26 *“>62% Passenger 15 22 7 47% 18
Pedestrian 14 18 4 29% 15
Unknown 0 0 0 0% 0
Location
Location 2018 2019 Change % change 5 year
average
Melbourne 41 49 8 20% 47
Rural vic 44 82 38 86% 53
Unknown 0 0 0 0% 0
Age Group
Age Group 2018 2019 Change % change 5 year
average
0 to 4 0 1 1 100% 1
5 to 15 2 4 2 100% 2
16 to 17 0 3 3 300% 2
18 to 20 6 10 4 67% 8
21 to 25 5 8 3 60% 10
26 to 29 3 9 6 200% 9
30 to 39 15 14 -1 -7% 13
40 to 49 8 15 7 88% 13
50 to 59 16 22 6 38% 12
60 to 69 14 16 2 14% 12
70 and over 16 29 13 81% 17
Unknown 0 0 0 0% 0
Level of urbanisation
Level of urbanisation 2018 2019 Change % change 5 year
average
Provincial cities/towns 10 10 0 0% 8
Rural roads 45 83 38 84% 56
Small towns/hamlets 2 3 1 50% 1
** **“>35 **“>25% Unknown 0 0 0 0% 0
* includes pillion riders
** Melbourne Statistical Division includes some rural roads
Note: Fatality data is compiled by the TAC from police reports supplied by Victoria Police. Fatality data is revised each day, with the exception of weekends and public holidays. Data is subject to revision as additional information about known accidents is received, and as new accident reports are received and processed.
5 year average rounded to nearest whole number

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com