Tag Archives: crash

Tourist committed over fatal bike crash

British tourist Graham Stephen Belcher, 52, has been committed to stand trial over multiple charges involving a fatal crash with two motorcycles on 2 September 2019.

His committal trial will be held in Tweed Heads Local Court on 22 April 2020 and Belcher will appear via video link from jail.

NSW Police will allege the unlicensed driver in a rental car did not give way to two motorcycles at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Tweed Valley Way in Tumbulgum near Tweed Heads, about 3.20pm on 2 September.

Scott Rose, 39, died at the scene and his riding partner, Barry Nolan, was taken to Tweed Heads Hospital with minor injuries. He later released from hospital.

Scott Rose, wife Tenniel and his children Lacey and NashScott Rose, wife Tenniel and his children Lacey and Nash

Fail to stop

Belcher failed to stop and his Hyundai tourist rental car was later found abandoned at Terranora.

He was arrested at Brisbane International Airport at 2am the next day as he was about to board a flight to Hong Kong.

He was extradited to NSW on an outstanding warrant and was also charged with:

  • 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.

Family fundraiser

Scott Rose, wife Tenniel and his children Lacey and Nash fundraiserScott Rose, wife Tenniel and his children Lacey and Nash fundraiser

A fundraiser page was started to raise money for Scott’s family.

You can support the fundraiser by clicking here. It is still open and so far more than $17,000 of a $10,000 goal has been raised.

The fundraiser page was started by brother-in-law, Codie Holliday, to raise money to support Scott’s wife Tenniel and his children Lacey, 9, and Nash, 6.

“As the sole income provider for his family, Scott’s tragic death is impacting his family in so many awful ways, including financially,” Codie says on the fundraiser page. 

Scott was a maintenance technician at Movie World and Sea World.

Codie says Scott “loved riding bikes, fixing them, his kids both have bikes and I’m fairly sure the garage has a number of ongoing bike ‘projects’ always”.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

BMW plans motorcycle crumple zone

BMW has secured a patent that turns the front wheel into a crumple zone similar to the safety feature built into cars for decades.

In the BMW Motorrad patent, the front wheel stays straight on impact, rather than deflecting, by means of a metal V-shaped unit mounted on the frame.

Crumple zone

They claim this will add precious crumple zone centimetres before the rider impacts with the other vehicle or obstruction.

Crumple zones were developed and patented by Mercedes-Benz in 1952 and first installed in their 220 in 1959.

They are now in just about every vehicle on the road, except motorcycles.

But adding a heavy chunk of metal to a motorcycle – even if it is low down and will improve the centre of gravity – doesn’t seem like a smart idea.

It also only serves as protection in a head-on crash and we don’t see how it will stop the rider going over the handlebars, anyway.

BMW plans motorcycle crumple zonePatent drawing

Joke?

We’re not sure if BMW is serious about this. After all, BMW are kings of April 1 pranks, but this is a little too early for an April Fool’s Day joke.

BMW is also keen on patents and has applied for these just over the past couple of years:

None of these has yet gone into production.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Smart signs for motorcycle safety

Auckland will trial smart signs at intersections that alert drivers to the presence of riders as part of a four-stage motorcycle safety strategy for New Zealand’s largest city that could have wider applications.

The smart signs will consist of flashing studs in the road and electronic message signs at selected intersections.

It is the third step in a four-stage Auckland Transport plan to reduce motorcycle crashes at intersections where 40% of all motorcycle injury crashes occur.

Between 2014 and 2018, 29 people died and 515 were seriously injured (excluding state highways) as a result of motorcycle crashes in the Auckland region. The most common crash factors were failing to give way/stop, and poor observation.

AT data shows that many crashes involving motorcyclists occur when a car is turning right into a side road.

Smart signs

dominion Rd smart signs motorcycle safetyFirst stage is painted lines

The first stage last month involved painting yellow “keep clear” road markings (or hatched road-markings) across the intersections of Dominion Road and 14 side roads.

AT hopes these will improve visibility for drivers and motorbike riders when approaching an intersection.

The second stage next month involves AT’s Road Safety Team reviewing video to analyse traffic behaviour in the wake of the new line markings.

Analysis of this video will be compared to recordings in November 2019.

This will help the team understand what worked, what didn’t work, and any other issues that came up.

After the smart signs are installed in April, a Road Safety Team will review the results of the three safety methods in May.

AT chose Dominion Road as it has the highest risk for crashes involving motorcycles.

The 14 intersections included in this trial are: Bellwood Avenue, Ewington Avenue, Prospect Terrace, Burnley Terrace, King Edward Street, Grange Road, Paice Avenue, Milton Road, Wiremu Street, Rocklands Avenue, Halston Road, Tennyson Street, Queens Avenue and Kensington Avenue.dominion Rd smart signs motorcycle safetydominion Rd smart signs motorcycle safety

Comment

We welcome these motorcycle safety initiatives and look forward to the results. Hopefully they will be rolled out across the country as well as Australia.

It will be interesting to see if the signage conditions drivers to be on the lookout for riders, or whether they will come to rely on the signage and forget to look on other occasions.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Do I Need a Lawyer after I’m Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident?

(Contributed post for our North American readers)

In 2014 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recorded more than 92k motorcycle accidents. In California, for instance, the motorcycle fatalities increased from 490 in 2014 to 540 in 2016. Additionally, the deaths for not wearing a helmet increased rose up by 2 figures to 25 in 2016 from the 23 in 2015.  Even more damning is that this figure is not getting any better, and if anything, the recent statistics show an increase in the number of motorcycle accidents.

California motorcycle fatalities increased 11 percent from 494 in 2015 to 548 in 2016. Deaths from motorcyclists without a helmet risen by 9% from 23 in 2015 to 25 in 2016. California’s motorcycle fatalities accounted for 15.1% of total motor vehicle deaths in 2016.Sep 16, 201

That said, motorcycle accidents are unique in that, in most cases, they result in serious injuries.

Now, if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, I know you might be wondering whether you need a motorcycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles, CA.

This is particularly true if your insurance has already contacted you or even another party is offering to compensate you for your injuries or damage. In such cases, you might be wondering why it’s even necessary to retain an attorney-after all, it seems like a waste of money, given that you can also represent yourself, right?

Wrong.

We recommend that you retain a lawyer, regardless of the accident circumstances.

Beyond legal representation, there’re other numerous ways that an attorney can help you, and having an attorney guide you the legal process is essential for the success of your case.

If you’re still on the fence on whether you need an attorney for legal representation after a motorcycle accident, stay with us and learn why.

Focus on Recovery

Most motorcycle accidents are grisly and often result in serious injuries.

In such instances, the last thing you would want is to focus on your compensation rather than your health and fast recovery.

By retaining an attorney, you’ll have the peace of mind that they’re representing your interests fully, and in turn, you’ll have time for a fast recovery.

Determine whether you have a Legal Claim

Motorcycle accidents are different, and not every one of them gives you the right to sue for compensation, and this is regardless of whether you were injured or not.

In some cases, you’ll be surprised to find out that you’re culpable and risk getting jailed.

So, before it gets to this point, retaining an attorney will help determine whether you have a right to sue.

They’ll easily go through the facts, and determine whether it’s worth pursuing the case.

Take Your Case to Trial

Not all motorcycle accident cases result in a settlement, and at times, the cases need to go through a trial, which in most cases is challenging, and it requires legal expertise.

If a case goes to trial, for instance, it will require you to do the filling, attend the preliminary hearing, collect evidence, question evidence, and collecting opening/closing statements.

As you can see, some of these processes are tiring and challenge to perform, especially if you don’t have the legal expertise.

An attorney, however, understands how to strategize and access evidence to the court records, and examine witnesses in such a way that will set you up for success.

Protection of Legal Rights

It doesn’t matter whether you’re at fault or even whether you’ll get compensation for the damages, but retaining an attorney will ensure that your legal rights are not violated.

Remember that an attorney understands the law and has specialized in the legal space, meaning they’re cognizant of the laws and when your legal rights are violated.

Negotiate Fair Settlement

Coming to an amicable figure in a settlement process is always a challenging process, especially if you don’t understand the art of negotiating.

This is not to mention that some of the insurance providers usually use underhand tactics,  to cancel your compensation or offer a less-than amount.

Remember that a majority of the insurance entities are in a business like any other and are in it to make profits. In most cases, they’ll try to keep the overhead costs to a minimum.

With an attorney, however, they’ll negotiate a fair settlement offer that accurately reflects the value of your case.

Here, for instance, your attorney will look at several elements and beyond the injury claim; they might even include lost wages, emotional detachment, loss of a loved one, and even the pain factor.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Trailbike rider dies in park crash

A 23-year-old male trailbike rider has died in a crash about 1.20pm today (10 February 2020) at Robert Brown Reserve, Blacktown, in western Sydney.

Emergency services attended the park on the corner of Flushcombe Road and the Great Western Highway after reports a trailbike rider had struck a barrier and fallen off.

TRailbikeRobert Brown Reserve

Blacktown Police Area Command officers found the man seriously injured next to his trailbike.

Despite attempts by officers and paramedics to revive the man, he died at the scene.

A crime scene was established, and officers have started an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000. 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 man’s family and friends.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Riders urged to avoid flooded roads

After months of drought and bushfires, much of eastern Queensland and northern NSW are experiencing flash flooding with emergency services urging motorists: “If it’s flooded, forget it”.

The police are pretty serious about the current situation and warn motorists to “stay informed and be prepared”.

Monitor regular media sources, including the SES website, Police facebook pages, the Bureau of Meteorology website, Livetraffic.com in NSW, Road Conditions in Queensland as well as local TV and radio.

It’s important to remember the dangers flooded waters can pose, especially after bushfires in these regions.

Roads may be especially slippery from excessive erosion due to less leaf coverage in bushfire-ravaged areas.

Many roads may be closed and riders should be aware it is illegal to ignore road-closed signage.

Police can fine motorists hundreds of dollars for negligent driving if they attempt to cross flood waters and get stuck, requiring rescue.

Flooded crossings

Water crossings are fun.

But don’t be that idiot that goes playing in flooded waters and ends up losing their bike, forcing emergency services personnel to risk their lives trying to save you.

It’s just not worth it when a water crossing is flooded.

Water crossings floodedYou may have crossed this particular crossing before and think that the water is just a little higher than normal. However, there could be a sink hole underneath and you could lose your bike and then be swept away in the fast-running waters.

Flooded water is unpredictable. Is the level still rising, how fast is the water flowing, is it flowing at different rates in different parts of the crossing, is a sudden surge of more water on its way, what objects have been washed down and are now submerged underneath such as barbed wire?

There are too many unknowns.Water crossings

One of my water crossing failures was in a low-flooded causeway. I was riding a big Yamaha Super Tenere through on the clear wheel tracks but the water was flowing faster where there was a gap in the weeds upstream.

Even though it was a low level and the bike substantial, the water velocity was enough to push my front wheel slightly off track, into the slime and down I went.

I was lucky not to be swept off the causeway into the fast-running creek.

It was a stupid thing to do and I acknowledge that.

water crossings flooded

After the storms

After the storms have passed and the skies turn blue, there will be an enormous temptation this weekend to go out and play in the waters.

However, flood waters can take a lot of time to subside, so remain vigilant and cautious.

Click here for more details about road hazards after heavy rain.

In the meantime, maybe just for the next few days think carefully about taking the bike out!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Head-on crash leads to Careflight rally

Without CareFlight, Tracy Jackson might not be here, so now she and husband Todd are paying back with the inaugural Roll On In Rally at Jindabyne, NSW, next month.

The Snowy Mountains rally on 13-15 March 2020 will be two years since Tracy was involved in a head-on crash with a distracted driver on the NSW Central Coast.

“She was on the roadside for an hour while the paramedics tried to stabilise her; I think she took seven units of blood,” says Todd.

CareFlight to rescue

Todd and Tracy Jackson raise funds for Careflight with Roll On In Rally in JindabyneTracy’s wrecked Harley

“Careflight were called and flew her to Royal North Shore. After eight long hours of surgery the surgeon came out and told me they had saved her life. We would know about the leg in the next week or so. The list of injuries Tracy suffered is long.”

After 10 surgeries, Tracy is still in rehab and yet to return to work but that hasn’t stopped her desire to give back to CareFlight through the rally.

“We are raising funds for CareFlight, by using silent auctions, show ’n’ shine entry fees and we have CareFlight attending selling merch and taking donations,” Todd says.

Tracy says the first person who stopped and helped save her life on that day had completed a MediSim course with CareFlight.

“It was this training that put me in a position to be here today to talk about and help raise awareness of the amazing work CareFlight do and the effectiveness the MediSim training program has in situ when needed,” Tracy says.

Rally for all riders

Todd and Tracy Jackson raise funds for Careflight with Roll On In Rally in JindabyneMagnificent riding in the Snowy Mts

The rally is designed for riders on all types of motorcycles to explore the picturesque region and also give back to local communities hit by recent and ongoing bushfires.

Todd confirms the Snowy Mountains event will go ahead, despite bushfires. Click here to read our bushfire survival guide for riders.

“If the fires are still around there may be a few roads that are not accessible, but there are great roads down there, so we will still be spoilt for choice,” Todd says.

“At this stage, road conditions and closures change week to week.

“Last weekend was pretty nasty, but things seem to be mildly better.”

Tickets and accom

The event is being held 4km out of Jindabyne, at the Station Resort with more than 1000 beds, bar, restaurant, etc.

Tickets to the event which includes live music are $49 and do not include accommodation.

Riders who book accommodation from $109 a night at the Station Resort can get a special rally deal that also includes a welcome barbecue and house drink on Friday night, breakfast and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday.    

There is no camping at the resort, but there are plenty of accommodation alternatives in Jindabyne.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Police seek help in motorcycle crash

Queensland Police are seeking information about a collision in which a 29-year-old male motorcyclist suffered serious leg injuries last week.

The Forensic Crash Unit says the collision occurred about 8am on Friday (28 January 2020) at Slacks Creek.

Initial investigations reveal the rider was struck by a Hyundai Tucson on the Pacific Highway service road outside a car dealership in heavy rain.

The rider was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital with serious leg injuries.

The driver of the sedan, a 52-year-old man, was not injured in the crash.

Investigators are appealing for anyone travelling in the vicinity around the time of the crash, with dashcam footage, to contact them.

Investigations are continuing.

We wish the rider a full and speedy recovery.

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: QP2000194458

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Rider dies in crash into gully

A man has died in a motorcycle crash in a gully in Killarney, South East Queensland, this afternoon (2 February 2020).

Queensland Police say their preliminary investigations indicate the man was travelling south on Border Road around 3.10pm when he “lost control of his motorcycle” and crashed into a gully.

The 49-year-old man from nearby Legume, NSW, died at the scene.

Forensic Crash investigators are appealing for any witnesses or anyone who may have dash cam vision to contact police.

No other details are currently available.

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

“Lost control” does not necessarily immune blame on the rider.

He could have encountered a road hazard stray animal or another road user.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Rider’s call for cargo nets rejected

A rider’s call for ute and truck tarps and/or cargo nets, as in Queensland, has been rejected by the Victorian Department of Transport.

Longtime motorcycle advocate Rodney Brown (pictured above) says debris from utes and trucks is particularly dangerous to vulnerable motorcycle, scooter and bicycle riders.

He should know; he suffered multiple injures and wrote off his bike when he crashed on Riddells Creek Bridge after hitting a slippery liquid that had spilt out of a 15-litre white bucket that had fallen off the back of a vehicle.

So in 2018, he started a campaign to get utes and trucks to secure their loads with a tarp or cargo net as in Queensland where the fine starts at $200.

Qld secured loadA Queensland ute with a mandatory cargo net over its load

Cargo nets rejected

Despite Rod’s many protestations to government, Transport Department spokesman Roger Chao has now rejected the move, saying they are “not the ideal solution for all circumstances”.

“Victoria’s laws require the operator to restrain a vehicle’s load down securely so that it does not come off,” he says.

The rules are similar in other states such as NSW.

“It is the operator’s responsibility to assess the most appropriate method to secure the load for each particular set of conditions. Therefore, we maintain our position that it would not be adequate to mandate a specific method to use on all vehicles types when carrying different loads.

Unsecured load in a ute cargoUnsecured load in the back of a Victorian ute

Under current Victorian law, motorists can be fined up to $11,000 if their load falls off their vehicle and causes a crash.

Yet there is no specific law requiring loads to be covered as there is in most other states which stipulate penalties for not securing a load properly.

Such laws are preventative, rather than the Victorian punitive rule that only applies a penalty if load debris causes a crash.

Rod says VicRoads only suggests “nets and tarpaulins may be used to restrain lighter items”.

He proposed that all light vehicles such as cars, utes, vans, trailers (including boats on trailers) and trucks (gross vehicle mass up to 4.5 tonnes) must be covered with a approved tarp or cargo net so that nothing can escape.

“This is a no-brainer, based on the costs involved with doing nothing,” he says.

“I have gone as far as possible with this current Victorian government.

“The next step will be to take this issue up with a newly elected government.

“Examples of this approach was getting filtering and new road riding assessment of L riders happening due to a change of government. Thank heavens other states don’t think like our Victorian government does. Towards Zero – what a joke.”

Unsecured loads

In 2017, a Queensland driver was fined $275 after a motorcyclist hit a mattress that fell off the back of his ute in the Clem 7 tunnel.

We have published several stories about unsecured debris falling off trucks and utes.

Australian authorities receive tens of thousands of callouts a year to collect debris from our roads.

It includes household goods, building materials and green waste, causing road closures, disruptions, injuries and deaths.

Most vulnerable to these unsecured loads are motorcyclists.

Rod says the Victorian Traffic Accident Commission does not keep statistics relating to deaths and injuries caused by loose debris.

“There is obviously a need to collect more data on road safety,” he says.

Many riders have witnessed all sorts of things flying off the backs of trucks and pick-ups, but the worst culprits seem to be tradies.

Perhaps they are in a rush to get home or to the next job, but too many don’t secure their loads properly.

Take a look at the side of our freeways. They are littered with tradies’ hard hats, rubber boots, gloves and tools.

Other motorists to avoid are weekend gardeners taking their load to the dump in a hired trailer.

They are not professional transport operators, so they don’t know how to secure a load properly. Give them a wide berth.

Have you crashed because of an unsecured load? Leave your comments in the box below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com