Tag Archives: police

Rider dies in Warrego Highway crash

A 47-year-old male rider has died in a collision with a car at the notoriously dangerous Minden turnoff on the Warrego Highway, Queensland, last night (27 February 2020).

Queensland Police say the rider was heading west on the highway about 7.20pm and turned into Lowood-Minden Road.

His bike collided with a car travelling east heading from Hattonvale.Crash

Police say the rider was “pronounced deceased at the scene”.

The driver of the car, a 36-year-old Minden woman and a 12-year-old boy were transported to hospital with minor injuries.

An 18-year-old woman who was a passenger in the car was airlifted to Princess Alexandra Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Our sincere condolences to the rider’s family and friends and our best wishes to the injured for a swift and full recovery.

Anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has dashcam footage is urged to contact police.

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: QP2000413301 

Notorious Warrego intersection

The Warrego Highway intersection is notorious for accidents.

We’ve witnessed two crashes at the site over the years.

In recent year’s it’s been upgraded, but it probably now needs a flyover to cope with increased traffic from nearby urban developments.

Tragic week

It’s been a tragic week since Sunday with six deaths and an injury in the three eastern states.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Five riders die in tragic five days

A rider has died in a hit-and-run crash with a truck in Sydney this afternoon in a tragic five days on the roads in several states.

Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command have established a crime scene at Ultimo following the latest fatal collision.

The crash happened at 2.40pm (27 February 2020) when the rider was struck by a white truck on Abecrombie Street at Ultimo.

The truck failed to stop after the collision.

The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at hospital.

UPDATE: Police have now arrested a man near the scene at 4.50pm today and taken him to a hospital for mandatory testing.  A truck has been seized for scientific examination.

There are no further details available at this time.

Policer are appealing to anyone who might have been in the area at the time of the collision, particularly anyone who may have captured dash-cam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

Tragic days

It follows a tragic five days on the roads for riders:

Our sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who died and our best wishes to any injured riders for a full and seedy recovery.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Stealth law gives cops extra power

Helmet cameras, GPS units, radar detectors and other devices could be ruled unlawful by Western Australia Police under a rule amendment that is being brought in by stealth, say critics.

Police Minister Michelle Roberts has added a section to the Impaired Driving and Penalties Bill that allows police to ban any “device” they deem fit.

Those devices could include helmet cameras, intercoms, radar detectors (legal only in WA), dashcams and even phones being used for sat nav or music.

Rather than police applying the law, it would make them creators of the law in a dangerous precedent for other states.

Stealth law

Motorcycle Riders Association of WA representative Dave Wright says the Minister is effectively trying to allow legislation by stealth without proper consideration or discussion by the voted Members of Parliament.

The issue was brought to light by the Australian Drivers Rights Association who is lobbying the Upper House to reject the amendment.

Association secretary Glen Secco says it was sneaky of the Minister to attach the section to the Bill.

“Problem is it’s an open ticket to be used at any time to ban whatever they want,” he says.

Glen believes it is primarily designed to outlaw radar detectors.speed camera radar speeding fines rich rich

“The Office of Road Safety keeps putting this forward and it’s been rejected by the government in 1998, 2003, 2006 and 2012,” he says.

“The office receives all its money from speeding fines and a lot of things they support is simply to increase their revenue from speed cameras.

“Motorists make mistakes and it’s not all speeding; driver inattention, misjudgement and distraction cause the majority of accidents and yet they just concentrate on speed.”

However, Glen says a lot of other devices could also be ruled illegal in a vehicle or on a rider.

“GoPros on a helmet also aren’t safe,” he says.

“They may also decided that phones on a bike are not safe as they are a distraction.”

He is asking all WA motorists to visit their website, copy their letter and post it to their elected representative in an effort to reject the Bill amendment.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Rider, 53, dies in tragic twist of fate crash

A 53-year-old male rider has died in a tragic twist of fate involving two other vehicles on the New England Highway, south of Toowoomba, Queensland, about 1.40pm yesterday (25 February 2020).

Police say a utility was waiting to turn right into Opportunity Drive at Clifton when it was struck from behind by a station wagon.

The utility was propelled into the path of the rider heading north on the highway.

Sadly, the rider was pronounced deceased at the scene.

“Police would like to take the opportunity to thank local and passer-by motorists who stopped to render assistance,” says Senior Constable, Tyson Morris.

Our sincere condolences to the rider’s family and friends for their tragic loss.

Twist of fate

fate crash accidentImages Channel 7 Toowoomba

It was a cruel and terrible twist of fate that caused the rider’s death.

Crashes like this seem unavoidable for a rider.

Riders always can the road for hazards, but there seems little we can do in such an unforeseen situation.

The best advice is to treat all vehicles on the road as if they are out to get you.

Investigators from the Forensic Crash Unit are appealing for any witnesses or anyone who may have dash cam vision to please contact police.

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.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Rider injured in three-vehicle crash

A 24-year-old female rider has been seriously injured in a three-vehicle crash in north Brisbane this morning (25 February 2020).

Queensland Police say the rider was stopped behind a bus at traffic lights on Stafford Road, Gordon Park, about 8.40am when a utility hit her, catapulting her into the bus.

She was transported to Royal Brisbane and Woman’s Hospital in a serious condition.

Our sincere best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.

The driver of the utility and the driver and passengers on the bus were not physical injured.

Forensic Crash Unit is seeking witnesses to the crash who have dashcam footage to contact police.

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: QP2000392368

Comment

We don’t know the full circumstances of the crash and don’t want to create any illusions of fault.

This situation reminds us that lane filtering takes a rider out of a vulnerable position in a queue of traffic, protecting them from being rear-ended.

In Queensland it is legal to lane filter next to a bus, although not officially recommended.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Two riders die in Sunday accidents

Two riders have died in separate accidents on the Central Coast of NSW and in far west Queensland yesterday (23 February 2020).

NSW Police say a 59-year-old rider from Mardi died in a crash with a Mitsubishi SUV on the Great North Road, Bucketty, 40km north-west of Somersby, about 4.30pm.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District were told he was riding north and the Mitsubishi SUV was travelling south and the crash occurred in the southbound lane.

“The SUV left the road, crashing down a ravine trapping the driver, while the motorcyclist was thrown down the same ravine,” police say.

Paramedics were winched by helicopter down the ravine to the injured motorcyclist.

Sadly, he died a short time after being brought up to the roadway.

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

A 44-year-old woman, from Paxton, was released from the wreckage of her SUV and escaped with relatively minor injuries.

She was taken to Wyong Hospital for mandatory testing.

The scene was also attended by NSW Ambulance paramedics, Rescue helicopter crew, RFS and VRA volunteers.Crash accidents

Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information is confidential. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Longreach crash

A 19-year-old rider has died in a crash at the intersection of Falcon and Duck streets, Longreach about 3am yesterday.

Police say their initial investigations “suggest the male rider lost control of his motorcycle”.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

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: QP2000379024.

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

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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

Reduced speed epidemic spreads

Never mind coronavirus; the biggest epidemic seems to be reduced speed limits, especially on popular motorcycle roads around the country.

The latest is the reduction of speeds on the very open Wivenhoe-Somerset Rd (aka Splityard Creek Rd) which leads to Brisbane’s Holy Grail of riding, Mt Glorious.

A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson says the speed limit was reduced this month from 100km/h too 80km/h on the 22km stretch from Wivenhoe Pocket to Lake Wivenhoe.

“This is to improve safety for road users. This reduction followed a formal speed limit review which was endorsed by the Somerset Speed Management Committee,” they say.

Speed limits are set following detailed engineering assessments which consider a range of factors including the road’s function, physical road environment and crash history.”

Speed Mt Glorious WivenhoeSpeed limit on Wivenhoe-Somerset Rd

Epidemic

The change in speed limit is part of an epidemic that has hit the mountain in recent years with seeds plummeting as much as 40km/h in some places.

It follows a meeting last August by the Somerset Regional Council’s traffic and Safety Audit Committee which suggested a review of speeds for the lower section of the Northbrook Parkway which runs toward Mt Glorious from the western side.

The current speed is 80km/h, but police suggested it be dropped to 60km/h.

One officer said the stretch of road was “advertised as the top road race for motorcycle in Australia.

“There are online statistics for racing top to bottom and they post how fast they go,” the office told the meeting.

However, Motorcycle Advocacy Group spokesman David White says “nobody has found any online post times for races to date”.

A former TMR worker says the change in speed on the Wivenhoe-Somerset Rd is a “complete disgrace”.

“There is meant to be a scientific process that TMR and councils have to go through to determine the right speed limit on a road,” he says.

“It’s patently obvious to me that this scientific rigour is being bypassed in favour of hysterical residents and police.”

New roadworks on Mt Glorious broken legMt Glorious is glorious if the roads are in good repair!

A rider concerned that the epidemic of speed reduction would include Northbrook Parkway has started a Change.com online petition.

However, TMR says there are “currently no proposed changes to the speed limit on Northbrook Parkway”. 

We reviewed the speed limit in late 2019 and determined the existing 80km/h is appropriate,” the spokesperson says. 

Speed assessment

TMR says that in November 2018, they released a new Queensland Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices: Part 4 Speed Controls, the first major revision of speed limit guidelines in Queensland since 2003.

The engineering assessment methodology was revised to incorporate a safety assessment of road infrastructure,” the TMR spokesperson says.

Key road features, such as road geometry, lane and shoulder width, and the presence of roadside hazards, have been found to significantly influence the likelihood and severity of crashes.

“These features are now specific factors in the speed limit review.

The assessment also considers crash rates as an indicator of safety risk.

When considering the balance between road safety and efficient travel, the recommended speed limits are the safest and most appropriate speeds for that location at the time of assessment.

Where the safety risk is high, the review will likely recommend a lower speed limit to give road users more protection.”

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

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