Tag Archives: road safety

Motorcycle News, News

Victory in void helmet sticker fine

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Police have waived a Bribie Island rider’s $400/3point infringement for having a void helmet sticker in a test case that proves riders can legally remove the external sticker.

Ian Joice, 63, says he was pulled over by police on Bowen Rd, Glass House Mountains, on 12 August 2019 at 11.38am.

He says the officer noted the external sticker had the word VOID across it from age and sun damage while the internal label was faded due to wear.

Helmet fine void sticker
Internal label

A week later he received an infringement notice in the post for “fail to wear helmet”.

So he contacted Motorbike Writer after reading our article which advised riders that is legal to remove the external sticker.

Click there to read our full article.

We contacted Queensland Police to ask why an erroneous fine was issued and how many other similar fines had been issued.

They replied:

The infringement in this matter will be withdrawn. This is an isolated incident and the officer has been given guidance regarding the matter.

Ian was greatly relieved when we passed on the news of his fine waiver.

“I have been very distressed with this situation and am greatly relieved that the notice has been withdrawn,” he says.

“I have had some black days since the notice arrived.”

Australian Motorcycle Council helmet law expert Guy Stanford says he believes police are not aware of the rules and standards that apply to helmets.

Guy Stanford - Mobile phone while riding - darrk visor helmets tinted visor youtube withdrawn void
Guy Stanford

“This is a good result from a commonsense complaint,” he says. 

“The facts were clear, the rider had been issued a fine for an offence he did not commit.

“This sort of fraud reflects badly on all police.”

Void sticker

Guy says the external sticker on a motorcycle helmet is only an indication of compliance and not a legal requirement.

In fact, the Australian Road Rules and standards do not even mention an external sticker.

They only say the helmet has to be “permanently and legibly marked”.

“So long as the mark of certification appears somewhere on the helmet that’s all you need, which means the label inside,” Guy says.

AS/NZS 1698 external stickers show VOID due to fading in the sun or if they have been removed.Helmet fine void sticker

“This is only a manufacturer’s device to recommend to riders when they should update their helmet,” Guy says.

“It has nothing to do with any legal requirement and is not mentioned in the Australian Road Rules. There is no expiry date on motorcycle helmets.”

Ian says he didn’t realise his helmet was so old and has now spent the $400 he would have spent on paying the fine to buy a new helmet.

  • We suggest you keep a copy of this article and/or our previous article to show police if you are ever threatened with a similar erroneous fine.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Roller barriers may be safer for riders

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Motorcycle rider advocates have cautiously welcomed a Western Australia trial of new roller barriers with high-visibility plastic rollers on steel polls that rotate when hit by a vehicle.

Similar barriers have been used overseas and have been under trial with VicRoads at three locations for about four years.

The new roller barriers are being installed on Perth’s Murdoch Drive Connection ramp connecting Roe Highway to Kwinana Freeway northbound.

Roller welcomeRoller barriers may be safer for riders

Unlike wire rope barriers, these barriers have received a cautious welcome from motorcycle rider advocates.

Dave Wright of the Motorcycle Riders Association of Western Australia says they have been waiting “for some time” for these to be installed.

“We believe the outcome of a motorcycle rider crash will result in far less injuries than conventional crash barriers currently in use,” he says.

“However we will wait until after the trail period to give these barriers our blessing.”

Australian Motorcycle Council spokesman Guy Stanford says are “always nervous about barriers”.

“There are no crash barriers that can be considered ‘motorcycle friendly’,” he says.

“In the event of a motorcyclist impacting with any crash barrier the likelihood is that they will be severely injured.

“But we are pleased they are investigating this and coming up with new systems.”

Fellow MC  member Rob Salvatore says it is important the spacing between the rollers is kept to a minimum and the top of the roller posts are smoothly capped.

Local manufacture

The safety barriers have been adapted from South Korean barriers for Australian conditions by Geraldton-based firm Mid-West Traffic Controllers who also supplied two of the Victorian roller barriers.

Spokesman John Wheatland says a motorcycle or any other vehicle is likely to hit the rollers at an angle which reduces the gap for a limb to get caught.

“Riders are more than welcome to have input for safety changes,” he says with suggested updates tested at their facilities in Christchurch.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Riders still mixing alcohol and riding

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Riders are still not getting the message about the dangers of mixing alcohol and riding, according to new Queensland University of Technology research.

While alcohol features as a contributing factor in a relatively small proportion of all reported motorcycle crashes, it is more prevalent in fatal crashes.

Despite decades of anti drink-drive campaigns and heavy use of RBT policing, almost a quarter of driver and motorcycle road deaths are related to drinking, says Professor Barry Watson and Dr Angela Watson from the QUT’s Centre of Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland (CARRS-Q).

Alcohol and crash data

They analysed data from the Queensland Road Crash Databases to review the long-term trend in alcohol-related crashes and injuries from 1981 to 2017.

While alcohol-related deaths were 50% in the ‘80s and are now more than halved, it is still unacceptably high, Prof Watson says.

And despite riders needing all their faculties to operate and balance a motorcycle, it seems more than a fifth are killed with more than .05 BAC.

Over the past five years the percentage of road deaths where liquor was involved was 21.8% for riders and 23.8% for drivers.

“While the percentage of motorcycle riders killed with a BAC of .05 or more is often lower than that for drivers, this is not always the case,” Prof Watson says.

In 2015 and 2016, the percentage was higher for motorcyclists than drivers.

“There is variability in the percentage of those killed with a BAC of .05 or more among both the drivers and motorcycle riders, but this appears more pronounced among the motorcycle riders possibly due to the overall fewer numbers of riders being killed,” he says.

More lethal

Prof Barry Watson alcohol
Prof Watson

Prof Watson also points out that the involvement of alcohol in non-fatal crashes is considerably lower for both drivers and motorcycle riders.

“This highlights the fact that alcohol-related crashes are generally more severe in nature since they involve other factors that exacerbate the consequences of the crash (e.g. higher speeds, run-off the road, hit objects),” he says.

“I suspect that this increased likelihood of a crash being severe if alcohol is involved would apply equally, if not more, to motorcycle riders.

“As such, the prevalence of alcohol in motorcycle rider fatalities (as well as driver fatalities) is higher than you would expect compared to the number of impaired riders on the road, due to the increased likelihood of an alcohol-related crash being severe.”

RBT effectiveness

However, he says the “vast majority” of motorists intercepted for random breath testing by the police are below the limit.

“Queensland Police currently undertake over three million RBTs annually, resulting in over 17,000 offences. This equates to almost one test per licensed driver every year and a detection rate of 1:178,” he says.

“This confirms that most drivers and motorcycle riders are doing the right thing and complying with our alcohol limits,” he says.

“Unfortunately, however, the chances of being involved in a road crash, and for that crash to be severe, is greatly increased by driving/riding after drinking.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Motorcycle hazards audit wins award

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A special motorcycle used to audit road surfaces and detect specific rider hazards has helped win a Queensland safety award, yet offers of its use to Victoria have been rejected.

Use of the specially equipped Queensland Transport and Main Roads motorcycle to audit roads in the Mackay region has this week won a Community Award for the local volunteer Road Accident Action Group (RAAG) in the 2019 Queensland Road Safety Awards.

Hazards audited

RAAG partnered with TMR and local riders to conduct a series of formal road safety audits using the motorcycle on popular recreational motorcycle routes with a crash history in the Mackay and Central Highlands region.

Learn2Ride trainer and RAAG member Brett Hoskin (pictured top of the page) rode the bike multiple times under wet and dry conditions.

He was also able to provide real-time commentary on the “look and feel” of the road to an audit team following him.

The information is then used to repair and maintain the roads for rider safety.

Brett says the project success was due to RAAG’s collaborative approach with all stakeholders including Government, industry and the community.

“RAAG identifies road safety issues and uses research and evidence to pursue solutions or advise the relevant stakeholder of our findings so that it can be investigated and actioned if necessary,” he says.

Audit bike

Queensland Transport and Main Roads instrumented motorcycle audit
Queensland Transport and Main Roads instrumented motorcycle

The motorcycle is equipped with sensors and gyroscopes to measure force, wheel speeds, and suspension movement. GPS is also used to track location, speed and time along the ride, so data sets can be synchronised.

The motorcycle also includes two cameras (front and rear) and two microphones. Commentary from the rider is used to further determine any unsafe road characteristics.

Offer rejected

TMR has previously loaned the bike to New South Wales and South Australia for road condition audits.

However, VicRoads has rejected the offer of the bike, preferring to use specially trained inspectors.

This is despite Victorian Coroner Paresa Spanos finding that a bump that caused the death of rider Mark Rodgers and pillion Jodi Walsham may not have been detected by VicRoads because it scans roads in a four-wheeled vehicle, not on a motorcycle.

inspect road hazards audit
Mark and Jodi

However, the Coroner did not recommend VicRoads inspect roads with a motorcycle as Queensland’s Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has been doing for several years.

Instead, the Coroner accepted a VicRoads plan to train inspectors to be aware of vulnerable riders and promote its hotline to report road hazards.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

6 Safe Ways Motorcyclists Can Share the Road with Trucks

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(Share the Road sponsored post for our North American readers)

The US Motorcycle Safety Foundation states that more than half of fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle. A couple of months ago, a semi-truck collided with a large group of motorcyclists in New Hampshire killing 7 of the group’s riders. In the United States, the number of vehicle and motorcycle crashes have reminded us how dangerous the road is for motorcycles, especially when it’s shared with huge commercial trucks.

Both motorcyclists and truck drivers need to practice defensive and smart driving techniques when sharing the roadways. Here are a few simple safety tips motorcycle riders can keep in mind to help prevent mistakes and accidents that end up in serious or fatal crashes. Some of these tips can apply to other drivers too.

1.Keep a Bigger Following Distance

Motorbikes are a light weight vehicle, but the stopping time is just about the same for any average-sized car. Motorcycles cannot stop on a dime. Semi-trucks are way larger and heavier, which logically makes them harder to stop. For both motorcycles and trucks, a larger distance is going to give more time to react. A four-second distance is a good rule of thumb.

2. Make Yourself Visible

Due to the small size, a motor bike may seem further than it really is a truck driver’s mirror. Motorcyclists are more prone to get lost in blind spots and blend in with the background of the environment. Riders should make themselves as visible as they can. Make yourself more visible by either wearing bright clothing or with strategic riding.

Trucks reversed image lane filtering blind spot
All the bikes in this photo are in a truck’s blind spots

3. Use Your Brakes

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation says that most motorcyclist choose to slow down by either easing off the throttle or downshifting, depending on the situation. To avoid a potential rear end accident, it’s better to slow down with your brake, thus creating an indicator for larger vehicles with less stopping time.

4. Stay Awake and Alert

Operating a motorcycle requires more attention, physical strength and cognitive focus. Before riding, always make sure you are in the best condition to operate a motor vehicle efficiently and safely. Never ride when you are feeling drowsy, tired, fatigued or ill. Never ever ride a motorcycle after having a few drinks.

The same energy demand and focus applies for commercial truck drivers. According to Chris Simon, an Atlanta injury attorney, commercial drivers must follow strict regulations regarding their time spent driving.  “Under the Federal Hours of Service Regulations, drivers are limited to 60-70 hours of duty in a period of seven or eight days.” A semi-truck driver can pose a great danger on the road if they are fatigued or exhausted from driving over the Federal limit of on duty hours.

5. Use Extra Caution at Night

Like we said before, motorcycles are difficult for other larger vehicles to see. That difficulty is practically doubled during the night time or during low light conditions. Riders should operate their bikes with extra caution in these situations. Slow down, wear visible gear, and refrain from passing as much as you can.

6. Stay Out of Truck’s “No Zones”

All motor vehicles have “blind spots”. For semi-trucks these areas are larger. Truck drivers have to rely mostly on their mirrors to check for any oncoming vehicles. Drivers also have difficulty seeing what’s within 20ft of the front. These semi-truck blind spots are known as “No-Zones”. When passing, try to pass as safely and as quickly as you can, and refrain from passing on the truck’s left side. This side has a bigger blind spot.   

Both motorcycle riders and truck drivers must practice extra caution while sharing the road. Semi-truck accidents that involve motorbikes have a high chance of ending in serious damage or death.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Driver remains in jail after scooter hit-run

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A 55-year-old Sydney driver who ran away from police after allegedly failing to stop following a crash with a scooter rider will remain in jail until his next court appearance on 8 October 2019.

Police will allege Paul Andrew Brown’s Toyota HiLux utility collided with a Vespa scooter on August 14 at the intersection of Wellbank and Spring streets, Concord.

Hit run bail jail
Image: Google Maps

“The driver of the utility allegedly failed to stop to render assistance and continued to drive north on Spring Street,” police say.

The 34-year-old female scooter rider suffered serious injuries and was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where she remains in a stable condition.

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 faced Burwood Local Court the next day charged with failing to stop and render aid, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, and not exchange particulars.

He was denied bail and remanded in jail to appear again on Tuesday (27 August 2019) for mention.

Brown’s lawyer has not applied for bail, so he will remain in jail until his next court appearance on 8 October 2019.

Spate of hit-and-runs

The incident follows a worrying spate of hit-and-run crashes leaving motorcyclists injured and dead.

In NSW, the requirement for those involved in a crash to remain at the scene until police arrive was dropped in 2014, even if a tow truck is required.

However, the motorists must report the incident to police and remain at the scene if anyone is injured.

If they don’t, police can charge a motorist with failing to stop at the scene of an accident which is considered a serious offence.

Depending on whether someone is injured or killed in the crash, the motorist responsible could face serious charges with up to 10 years in jail.

Police say motorists leaving an accident scene where someone is injured decrease a victim’s chance of survival.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Viking Warlock jacket fits female form

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Female riders who complain about the lack of shape and adjustment in motorcycle jackets that don’t fit their shape should check out the stylish Viking Warlock all-seasons women’s jacket.

Not only is it designed to fit the female form, but it has plenty of adjustability.

There are two hip zips to allow for wider hips and three straps in the back to adjust to your exact waist shape.

Viking Warlock jacket fits female form
Three-strap adjustment

At just $US115.99 (about $A170), it’s great value and comes in black only in women’s sizes small to XL.

It’s a great all-seasons jacket with a shell of completely flow-through ventilated mesh Cordura for the hot days and a full-length quilted zip-out thermal comfort layer.

Viking Warlock jacket fits female form
Quilted thermal liner

Our test pilot, Sharon Ledger, says it feels very comfortable with plenty of warmth for single-digit temperatures as well as enough ventilation for hot summer riding.Viking Warlock jacket fits female form

She also likes the sprung clip in the right pocket to attach your keys when you are not riding, so they don’t fall out and get lost.

There are also plenty of pockets inside and out for your purse, phone, garage remote, lipstick, etc, she says.Viking Warlock jacket fits female form

Warlock safety

The Viking Warlock hasn’t been rated by MotoCAP for safety.

However, it is made of Cordura 600D which has very good abrasion resistance according to independent tests.

Viking Cycle says the Warlock jacket is coated with polyurethane which is wind and water resistant, won’t sag and creates less wrinkle.

Inside are CE-approved EN1621-1 Type A impact protectors in the shoulders, elbows and back for urban riding protection.

Viking Cycle have a refund policy within 30 days and a one-year defect warranty for peace of mind.Viking Warlock jacket fits female form

Viking Warlock features

CONSTRUCTION

600D PU Coated Fabric and Soft Mesh

VENTILATION

Mesh Panels On Torso (Front & Back) And Sleeves

PROTECTION

CE Approved Removable Armor On Elbows, Shoulders, Back and Chest

EXTERNAL STORAGE

2 Zippered Side Pockets

INTERNAL STORAGE

Phone, Sunglasses, Wallet, Knife And a Concealed Pocket

ADJUSTABILITY

Waist Adjustability

CLOSURES

Velcro Sleeve Closures

VISIBILITY

Reflective Piping

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Five Fall Motorcycle Safety Tips

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(Fall Motorcycle Tips is a sponsored post for our North American readers)

Before a long winter, many motorcyclist enthusiasts are excited to break out their bikes and begin riding before adverse weather gets in the way. As more and more riders hit the road, it is important to gear up for everything the autumn riding season may present, both good and bad. Even the most experienced riders should properly prepare for fall riding as unique seasonal dangers come into fruition and threaten everyday rides.

This upcoming autumn, be prepared for the various hazards that may present themselves on your rides, whether you’re riding the beautiful backroads in nature or splitting lanes in downtown traffic. By being aware of these five threats, you can help ensure you are riding well this fall and the rest of the year.

Oil

The first rain after a dry period can lift oil, dirt, and grime to the top of the pavement, causing incredibly slick roads. Ride slower than normal to allow yourself for more reaction time and prevent an accident. Once there have been a few more rains to wash away the remaining oil, you should be ready to ride safely at your normal speed.

Wildlife

Fall can mean major movement for wildlife in your area, including young critters unfamiliar with roads and motor vehicles. “Without the added protection that cars provide, even a collision with a small animal could lead to serious injuries,” note the motorcycle accident lawyers of Begam Marks & Traulsen, P.A.

Keep a lookout for any animals that may cross the path while you ride, especially if riding in an area dense with foliage. 

Potholes

A threat to car drivers and motorcycle drivers alike, potholes are dangerous and should not be taken lightly. Potholes on the road can be covered by fallen leaves in autumn and present unseen danger.

Hitting a pothole could cause you to lose control of your bike, but swerving too abruptly or halting altogether could be just as damaging. The best thing to do is to avoid the pothole if possible, otherwise slow down when your bike is approaching.

Temperature

It may feel like fall is in the air, which means fall has most likely hit the road as well, meaning asphalt may start to drop in temperature. Cold roads mean less traction for tires, so ride slower than usual to account for the lack of tire grip. Also be sure to wear appropriate clothing while riding as temperatures may fluctuate all day, from rain or shine to windy or chilly.

Other Riders

Fall is one of the most popular seasons for motorcyclists. Many fellow riders will hit the road, which, unfortunately, causes an increase of the chance of a potential motorcycle accident. Stay alert of other riders and always keep your eyes on the road.

Being aware of these five fall dangers can help prevent a moderate or severe motorcycle accident before it happens. By staying alert, driving slower than usual, and prepping yourself, you can enjoy autumn riding safely.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Gloves fail MotoCAP safety ratings

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Seven pairs of leather and textile motorcycles gloves are the latest to fail the MotoCAP safety ratings.

Only two scored two stars and four one star.

The Neo Freerider leather gloves (pictured above) rated just half a star because of the minimal abrasion protection, impact resistance and seam strength.

The MotoCAP website now lists 43 pairs of gloves in its list of 135 products tested and rated.

So far, not one pair of gloves has rated a full five stars.

Click here for the full results.Gloves fail MotoCAP safety ratings

No comfort ratings

The world’s first safety and comfort ratings system for motorcycle clothing provides comfort ratings for thermal comfort and waterproofing on jackets and pants, but not gloves.

That is despite some of the gloves tested having perforations for airflow.

It also comes as the latest Canstar Blue customer satisfaction research found Baby Boomers are more likely to choose comfortable motorcycle gloves while Millennial riders buy for style.

Transport for NSW says that to measure for comfort a large square of fabric must be obtained.

“There is not enough material in a glove to obtain a sample for the thermal comfort measure,” they say.

However, they do test for waterproofing and three pairs of gloves were tested because they were advertised as having this feature.

The highest performing pair are the DriRider Apex 2 unisex gloves, which received a score of eight out of ten for water resistance.

Transport for NSW says there has been “interest from some manufacturers to have their items rated”.

However, all gear rated so far has been obtained through a secretive buying system to guarantee integrity.

Click here to find out how products are selected for rating in secret.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

No enforcement at police education campaign

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There was “no sign of enforcement” on the first of a two-day police and emergency services motorcycle road safety education campaign with riders on the Gold Coast hinterland.

The campaign continues Sunday (25 August 2019) at the Numinbah Valley School of Arts Hall from 7am-1pm, run by the Nerang Police Station and Coomera Road Policing Unit.

Nerang Police Sgt Graeme Reeves says they had a “fairly good role-up of bikes” on the Saturday morning.

“All the bike riders seemed pretty impressed with the free sausage sizzle, water giveaway on a cold morning and all were very happy with the prizes on display and free entry in Mondays raffle,” he says.North Upright road safety campaign police

Campaign continues

Our Gold Coast correspondent, Todd Parkes, said many riders stopped “by choice” and interacted with the police.

“It was seen as a positive experience, not just by the officers, but by the general public,” Todd says.

The Gold Coast hinterland has a heap of attractions for riders including winding roads, a Red Rattler with an Iron and Resin finish, writes local rider and MBW contributor Todd Parkes.
Todd and his Honda CB500R

“It showed no sign of enforcement at all.

“Snr Sgt Gordon related that many riders had dropped in and some had slowed warily as they moved through. They were not sure if it was overt enforcement or something else as the road rules are enforced regularly in the hinterland. I did not see any targeting or profiling of riders in the area at all.

“Senior Sergeant Peter Gordon explained this community interaction event has been occurring twice a year for the last few years since commencing on 2015 when 12 motorcycle fatalities had occurred. Since then, presumably as a result of a combination of all the aforementioned programs, there has been quite a reduction in fatalities. The objective of the operation is to provide a public interface opportunity where riders can chat, mingle, speak to relevant emergency and traffic officers about a range of topics as well as gain materials that educate them about riding to survive.” 

Todd says Snr Sgt Gordon told him that the riders who stopped didn’t need any preaching or converting as they are “aware and open to its purpose”.

“Personally I enjoyed the opportunity to just talk with guys about bikes, life and riding who just happen to wear a uniform,” Todd says.

“I encourage riders heading down the Numinbah Valley roads to pay a visit to for a chat and feed.”

Education campaign

Police talk to riders at a 2016 Operation North Upright event enforce road safety week questions
Police talk to riders at a previous Operation North Upright event

The campaign continues the Operation North Upright program that Nerang Police Station has been running for the past few years with regular one-day events.

It includes a free raffle for all who attend with the following prizes: Axo, Scorpion and RJays motorcycle boots; Five and RJays motorcycle gloves; Motul chain cleaning kit; and Royal Enfeild t-shirt.

The raffle will be drawn at the Nerang Police Station on 27 August 2019. Winners will be able to exchange prizes for the proper size boots or gloves at the dealer.

There is also a free sausage sizzle and bottles of water for all riders.

Riders will be able to ask questions of the police, ambulance, fireys and Department of Transport and Main Roads officials.

Questions can include bike the legality of bike modifications, helmet rules or various road rules.

Police say Operation North Upright is designed to “talk with any bike riders, give advice and listen to their concerns”.

Riders have claimed previous similar events have been accompanied by a high presence of police in the area, enforcing road rules and vehicle compliance.

Road Safety messages from Operation North Upright

  • The faster you go, the harder you hit. And on a bike, you’ll always come off second‐best. The only thing speeding gets you closer to is a crash.
  • Riding tired affects reaction times and impairs judgement. Take a break or don’t get on the bike if you’re tired.
  • Ride to be seen and don’t assume you’re visible to everyone.
  • Lane filtering is legal, remember to be safe and follow the road rules.
  • Look after yourself and your bike. The right gear and regular maintenance can save your life.

Online ‘Join the Drive’ resources: 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com