Tag Archives: road safety

News

Passing lanes make motorists safer

January 23, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

Passing lanes make motorists safer with many speeding up to 125km/h to safely pass, yet police continue to set up speed traps in these safe sections of road.

Austroads has published a report that found passing lanes have many safety benefits, including perceived safety by motorists, safer operational conditions, and historical crash reductions.

That’s despite the fact that their research shows 85% of motorists break the speed limit to pass vehicles.

So why the speed traps in these lanes? Probably because police know they can “nab” a good quota of speeders.

Such a disingenuous practice penalises motorists who are actually being safe.

It’s not that motorists are speeding through these sections so they can continue to speed and represent a danger on the road.

In fact, the research shows the zones before and after overtaking lanes are made safer by the presence of these lanes.

Crash rates around passing lanes:

18.9% reduction in injury crashes in the passing lane;
10.% reduction 5km after the lane; and
17.6% reduction up to 2km before;

The last figure may be due to the presence of signage advising a passing lane is ahead.

In Australia, these signs are placed 3km before the overtaking lane, while in New Zealand they are 2km ahead.

Passing lane woes

We would also like to see trucks and vehicles towing trailers and caravans prevented from overtaking in these lanes unless there are no following vehicles.

Problems arise when trucks take the entire length of a passing lane to overtake another truck.

That can leave a trail of frustrated and annoyed motorists unable to pass the first truck which could lead to dangerous overtaking manoeuvres.

It’s not just trucks that cause problems, but motorists who try to pass but stay within the speed limit.

That’s because they are concerned police will have a speed trap in the lane.

If there were a requirement for vehicles in the “slow lane” to reduce their speed by 10km/h or an allowance for overtaking motorists to momentarily speed — as is already happening by 85% of users — more vehicles could pass.

That would lead to reduced risk-taking and road rage.

There have also been incidents of motorists purposely using the passing lane to block other motorists, including these two riders in 2017 on the Bruce Highway, Queensland.

Riders blocking vehicles from passing — Riders block vehicles from passing

There are fines for this sort of behaviour. In Queensland, motorists can cop a $76 fine and two demerit points for driving in the right lane without overtaking in areas with 90km/h or higher speed limits, including passing lanes.

Click here for more tips on the correct procedure for motorcycles to overtake.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Rear-ended BMW rider seeks justice

January 21, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

A Brisbane rider whose BMW R 1200 R was rear-ended in 2016 is still waiting to find out if the irresponsible driver who hit him has been fined.

Matthew Craig, of Daisy Hill, was leaving the M1 at the Mt Gravatt-Capalaba Rd exit when he stopped at a give way sign in the left-hand slip lane to let a several vehicles pass by.

Seconds later, he was rear-ended by an impatient BMW X3 driver.

Since then, Matthew has not ridden and is still waiting for another bike as his was classified a repairable write off.

To rub salt into his wounds, police and the courts have refused to provide him or us information about the driver’s punishment.

Matthew Craig's BMW R 1200 R before it was rear-ended — Matthew Craig’s immaculate BMW R 1200 R before it was rear-ended

All he knows is that the woman was charged with driving without due care and attention and the matter was finalised at Holland Park Magistrates Court on January 25, 2017.

Search for justice

Matthew was not forewarned about the court appearance and his efforts over the past two years to find out what happened have failed.

He has been told it is a privacy issue.

However, the matter was heard in an open and public court. It is not his fault he was not present when the matter was heard as he was not warned of the date.

It is good that justice may have been done, but it is important that justice is also seen to be done and that the victims are satisfied with the verdict.

Matthew is now filing a Freedom of Information application.

We will update you if/when he gets a result.

How to avoid rear-ender

Meanwhile, it looks like there is little Matthew could have done to avoid this rear-ender.

The problem is impatience.

It happened to me at a stop sign when a fellow rider rammed me from behind. We were in a queue of riders going around the corner. While looking to the right for oncoming traffic he assumed I had dribbled through the stop sign instead of coming to a full stop.

I have also seen this happen to another rider and a friend in his car. Check out this rear-ended rider’s video.

The first vehicle moves to the front and stops to look for traffic and the next vehicle stops behind them.

On seeing that the road is clear, the second vehicle just proceeds without looking ahead, assuming the vehicle in front has also moved.

In this case, Matthew waited cautiously for the vehicle with the dashcam, even though there was a clear left lane.

And the driver behind him doesn’t even appear to be ready to stop!

His cautiousness cost him a crash.

To avoid this sort of incident, riders can try several things:

Check behind to see if there is a vehicle following;
If possible, offset your bike to the following vehicle, either to the extreme left or right of the lane or trickle a little around the corner; and/or
Blow your horn or rev your bike to alert the following driver that you are still there.

Click here for more tips on avoiding rear-enders in situations such as lane filtering.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Riding sharpens focus, relieves stress

January 19, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

We probably didn’t need a scientific study to tell us motorcycle riding reduces stress and distraction, while increasing our focus and attention.

There have been plenty of independent studies over the years that show similar correlations.

Now Harley-Davidson has funded a new neurobiological study by three researchers from UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, so we can expect some positive results!

The study shows that riding lifts our focus and attention, and decreases relative levels of the hormone cortisol which is mainly released at times of stress.

UCLA research

The UCLA researchers used mobile EEG technology to record the brain activity and hormone levels of 50 experienced motorcyclists before, during and after riding, driving and resting.

After 20 minutes, riders adrenaline levels increased 27% and heart rate increased 11% which is similar to light exercise.

Researchers also found an increase in brain activity similar to drinking a coffee. This led to increased sensory focus and resistance to distraction.

At the same time, cortisol hormone levels dropped 28%, reducing stress.

Research team leader Dr Don Vaughn says the differences in participants’ neurological and physiological responses between riding and either driving or resting “were quite pronounced”.

Chemical process

Psych Shaz says "be happy with your purchase" buyer's remorse stress — Psych Shaz says “ride and be happy”

Psychologist and reborn rider Sharon Ledger told Motorbike Writer in 2016 that there are more than 10,000 chemical reactions going on in the brain every second.

“The chemicals that make you feel happy – oxytocin, dopamine, endorphin and serotonin – are produced by the endocrine system,” she says.

“Not all of these chemicals are released at the same time and each has a different outcome.

“However, more of these chemicals are produced when we look forward to doing something we enjoy, we get up early, we go outside in the sunshine and fresh air, we challenge ourselves, we meditate, we concentrate on an activity that requires skill and generally do things that motivate us.

“That pretty much sounds like motorcycling to me,” she says.

Stress and speed

However, a little bit of stress can be good for us.

The faster we ride, the more focussed we become, according to long-time motorcycle rider and flight instructor Peter Callil.

His theory is based on research into stress levels by human behaviour researcher Chris Welford. It shows that people perform better when their stress level is moderate and worse when it is too low and too high.

“In a road safety context, pressure relates to speed, and performance relates to our ability to operate a vehicle safely,” Peter says.

Therefore, a rider’s performance is degraded whether they are riding too fast or too slow for the conditions. That makes them more vulnerable to crashing.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Water to cool melting tar in heatwave

January 17, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

Water will be sprayed over the Oxley Highway in the next few days as the road melts even more in the current heatwave conditions.

The road began melting in December in 31C heat and is now melting even more as temperature soar higher.

Save the Oxley campaigner Ken Healey says the lines of molten tar are “right on the line your bike is going to take”.

In a short-term fix, the Roads and Maritime Services poured sand on the slippery melting tar last week. This prompted outrage from riders.

Motorcycle Council of NSW chairman Steve Pearce said it was “very disappointing to see this work without any consideration for motorcyclists”.

“You could easily come to the conclusion that Melinda Pavey doesn’t want motorcyclists to use this road, remember it was just a year ago when the speed limit was dropped,” he says.

Water to cool road

Now the RMS says Walcha Council will spray the melting road surface with water between Toms Creek and 85km west of Wauchope “due to extreme heatwave conditions”.

“Roads and Maritime Services acknowledge water is a scarce resource at this time, however it is required to ensure the safety of motorists and keep the road open,” a spokesperson says.

“Council will be monitoring the road and will use the water cart as required to cool the bitumen for the safety of all road users.

“Roads and Maritime is working with Walcha Council to identify and carry out further work in the coming weeks, taking into account appropriate weather conditions required for this treatment.

“Road users are reminded to take care and drive to conditions on all roads in northern and western NSW following extreme weather events.”

Speeds in affected areas will be reduced to 60km/h with variable message signs indicating the speed change and the affected road surface.

After the images were posted, RMS spread thick sand over the road in what independent road surface expert and rider Ian Kite says is a short-term fix only.

Melting tar cause

Ian Kite, a 40-year local government infrastructure manager and lecturer in road construction, pavement design and bitumen sealing says the technical term for melting tar is “bleeding”.

“The cause of the problem is the aggregate in the seal being completely submerged by the bitumen and allowing the tyres to make contact with the bitumen,” he says.

“This can be caused by a number of factors – usually a combination of several.”

How to fix the issue

Ian says sand is the “quickest/simplest/cheapest solution” in the short term to absorb the excess bitumen.

Sometimes fine aggregate or crusher dust is also applied.

“The bitumen adheres to the surface of the particles and is no longer free to stick to tyres or present a slick surface,” he says.

He says the photos of the road indicate a high application rate of sand resulting in a loose, unbound surface “not much better than the slick road”.

“It’s pretty hard/near impossible to get the application rate just right since the bleeding of the surface is not uniform,” he says.

“Therefore it is usual to over-apply the sand or dust, but sweep off the excess ASAP.

“Until the sweeping is done, appropriate ‘slippery surface’ signage should be in place.

“I would expect the sweeping to be carried out within 24 hours. It may be necessary to re-apply the sand on subsequent hot days followed by sweeping.”

Other long-term solutions require analysis, design and specialist equipment to implement, Ian says.

Treatments include application of a “fog” coat of bitumen, rolling in another layer of aggregate, removal of excess bitumen by water blasting and replacement of the entire seal.

Ian says the analysis, design and resourcing of these treatments may take a couple of months to a year to organise and finance.

Mt Glorious melts

New roadworks on Mt Glorious melting tar reservations bitumen fix water — (Photoshopped sign for irony!)

Queensland Main Roads spent months working on the road to fix the issue with various methods.

More information about road conditions across Queensland are available on TMR’s website or by phoning 13 19 40.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Should cyclists wear identification?

January 17, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

The Tasmanian Motorcycle Council (TMC) has called for free identification numbers, not registration, for cyclists over 18 so their traffic offences can be reported and riders fined.

It’s an old complaint about cyclists disobeying road rules and not being fined that surfaces every now and then.

Council president Paul Bullock says his call follows “many complaints” from motorcyclists, car drivers, bus drivers and truck drivers about cyclists who behave irresponsibly.

Since his call for cyclist ID, the TMC has received “lots of negative responses from cyclists but very positive from all other road users”.

Identification not registration

However, this is not the usual call for cyclists to pay registration fees. After all, most cyclists are already motorists who pay rego that goes into maintaining our roads.

“Cyclists don’t understand it is for identification, not registration. It is to stop cyclists breaking the law. At no cost to the cyclist,” Paul says.

The TMC wants cyclists over 18 to wear some form of reflective identification number on their bike, clothing or helmet. Paul says it could be funded through the road safety levy.

Maritha Keyser Cyclist rule endangers motorcyclists — Tasmanian road sign

Rule breakers

What seems to irk many motorists is that cyclists get political favour, their own lanes, free footpath parking and yet avoid traffic offences.

We receive many complaints of cyclists blocking the road, breaking road rules, running red lights and even speeding down hills.

I was recently overtaken in a 50km/h downhill zone on Mt Coot-tha, Brisbane, by a cyclist who at the end of the road didn’t stop for a stop sign.

However, cyclists are not avoiding traffic fines altogether.

In the past two years, Queensland Police alone have booked more than 230 cyclists for speeding and 540 for running red lights.

The TMC also provided this list of traffic offences in Tasmania by cyclists:

Offence	Legislation		Fine	Code	Item	Penalty
Offence	Legislation		Fine	Code	Item	Unit
Cyclist unreasonably obstructing the path of other driver/pedestrian	RR	125(1)	$81.50	B819	174	0.5
Cyclist ride without due care and attention	RR	367(1)	$122.25	BC11	441	0.75
Cycle without reasonable consideration for other road users	RR	367(2)	$81.50	BC12	442	0.5
Cyclist unreasonably obstructing the path of other driver/pedestrian	RR	125(1)	$81.50	B819	174	0.5
Cyclist not seated astride and facing forward	RR	245(a)	$81.50	BA97	330	0.5
Cyclist riding with no hands on handlebars	RR	245(b)	$81.50	BA97	330	0.5
Cyclist seated other than on seat	RR	245(c)	$81.50	BA98	331	0.5
Cyclist fail to ride in bicycle lane	RR	247(1)	$122.25	BB01	335	0.75
Cyclist cause traffic hazard (moving into path of driver/pedestrian	RR	253	$122.25	BB22	345	0.75
Ride bicycle with no warning device in working order	RR	258(b)	$81.50	BB38	356	0.5

With identification numbers, more traffic offences could be issued, more than paying for the cost to implement the program.

“While the majority of cyclists obey the law there is an element within the cycling fraternity that continually do not,” Paul says.

“They obstruct vehicles travelling on the road; while travelling in a group doing far less speed compared to other vehicles, they will not move into single file to allow vehicles to pass.

“Cyclists use the excuse that they are entitled to ride two abreast on the road, while failing to accept that they are unreasonably obstructing traffic, which is illegal.

“Despite it being legal for cyclists to travel two abreast and laws allowing other vehicle to cross double lines to pass when safe to do so, irresponsible and discourteous rider behaviour puts cyclists and other road users at risk.”

Petitions against cyclists

Last year, a Change.org petition was started by Drivers For Registration of Cyclists for cyclists to ride single file.

It has so far received more than 134,000 signatures.

Identification bicycles cyclist — Image from the Change.org.au petition

Meanwhile, a 2017 petition against a rule allowing motorists to cross solid and double white lines to pass cyclists thus endangering oncoming motorcyclists has closed with only 2327 supporters.

Petition organiser Maritha Keyser, who was injured in such an incident, closed the petition after failing to gain the attention of any politicians.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Sand a short-term fix for melting tar

January 14, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

The recent over-application of sand on the Oxley Highway to fix slippery melting tar is a short-term fix that has outraged many riders.

Since we published an article about the thick sand across the road, Roads and Maritime Services have been actively sweeping the road.

However, Motorcycle Council of NSW chairman Steve Pearce says it is “very disappointing to see this work without any consideration for motorcyclists”.

“You could easily come to the conclusion that Melinda Pavey doesn’t want motorcyclists to use this road, remember it was just a year ago when the speed limit was dropped,” he says.

Warning signs have also been posted on the area of road 25km west of Gingers Creek not far past the 80km/h zone.

The road began melting a few weeks ago in the heat. These photos were taken when the temperature was 31C.

After the images were posted, RMS spread thick sand over the road in what independent road surface expert and rider Ian Kite says is a short-term fix only.

Melting tar cause

The 40-year local government infrastructure manager and lecturer in road construction, pavement design and bitumen sealing says the technical term for the melting tar is “bleeding”.

“The cause of the problem is the aggregate in the seal being completely submerged by the bitumen and allowing the tyres to make contact with the bitumen,” he says.

“This can be caused by a number of factors – usually a combination of several.”

How to fix the issue

Ian says sand is the “quickest/simplest/cheapest solution” in the short term to absorb the excess bitumen.

Sometimes fine aggregate or crusher dust is also applied.

“The bitumen adheres to the surface of the particles and is no longer free to stick to tyres or present a slick surface,” he says.

He says the photos of the road indicate a high application rate of sand resulting in a loose, unbound surface “not much better than the slick road”.

“It’s pretty hard/near impossible to get the application rate just right since the bleeding of the surface is not uniform,” he says.

“Therefore it is usual to over-apply the sand or dust, but sweep off the excess ASAP.

“Until the sweeping is done, appropriate ‘slippery surface’ signage should be in place.

“I would expect the sweeping to be carried out within 24 hours. It may be necessary to re-apply the sand on subsequent hot days followed by sweeping.”

Other long-term solutions require analysis, design and specialist equipment to implement, Ian says.

Treatments include application of a “fog” coat of bitumen, rolling in another layer of aggregate, removal of excess bitumen by water blasting and replacement of the entire seal.

Ian says the analysis, design and resourcing of these treatments may take a couple of months to a year to organise and finance.

Mt Glorious melts

New roadworks on Mt Glorious melting tar reservations bitumen fix — (Photoshopped sign for irony!)

Queensland Main Roads spent months working on the road to fix the issue with various methods.

More information about road conditions across Queensland are available on TMR’s website or by phoning 13 19 40.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Sand used to treat melting Oxley Highway

January 11, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

Riders have been alarmed to find sand over a section of the Oxley Highway where hot weather has caused the asphalt to melt and become slippery.

The Roads and Maritime Services was alerted to the problem last week and said they would inspect the surface this week.

“Sand was placed on the Oxley Highway to address soft pavement issues following extreme weather conditions and to improve traction,” an RMS spokesperson says.

“Excess sand is now being removed and a reduced speed of 60km/h is in place until further work is completed on the pavement surface.

“LiveTraffic will be updated to alert riders to the potential hazard at the location.”

Local rider Ken Healey reported the sand on the Port Macquarie Road Riders Facebook page.

It has been placed over melting tar on the road about 25km west of Gingers Creek not far past the 80km/h zone.

He says there are warning signs in place but was critical of the thick sand left behind.

RMS says “:further surface treatment is required”.

“Roads and Maritime Services is working with Walcha Council to carry out this work in the coming weeks, taking into account appropriate weather conditions required for this treatment,” the spokesperson says.

The molten tar lines are “right on the line your bike is going to take”, Ken says.

These photographs were taken when the temperature was 31C.

“The road was re-surfaced here about two years ago,” says Ken who organised the Save the Oxley petition and rally to retain the highway speed limits..

“Clearly it is not lasting and extremely dangerous.”

He says he and another rider had a front-tyre slip out on the molten tar.

Melting moments

A similar melting incident was encountered last summer on Mt Glorious Rd west of Brisbane.

One rider crashed in the molten tar and the road was subsequently resurfaced.

Melting tar claims first crash victim Mt Glorious costly engineers events steal reservations bitumen — Bike crashes into armco on molten bitumen

Melting road surfaces have also been encountered on recent roadworks on the mountain section of the Oxley Highway.

“It is already getting slippery on the new surface that is only a few weeks old, on the bottom half of the mountain,” Ken says.

“It will be ripped to bits by the end of summer and even more dangerous.

Oxley roadworks

The RMS told us last week it is “investing in the safety of Oxley Highway with a significant package of work recently implemented along the corridor”.

Roads and Maritime undertook resealing work in November and December on the Oxley Highway between Toms Creek and 85 kilometres west of Wauchope, which includes work in the mountain section.

“This reseal was comprised of a spray seal mix of bitumen and aggregate,” the spokesperson says.

“It is acknowledged motorbike riders frequently use the Oxley Highway for recreational purposes.

“Riders need to take safety precautions at all times while riding and this includes being aware of the road environment, particularly during extreme temperatures at this time of year – which can affect road surfaces.”

Save the Oxley organiser Ken Healey on his BMW K 1300 R - Motorcycle Friendly Town (Photo: Keoghs Vision Photography) siege flawed temporary repairs — Save the Oxley organiser Ken Healey on his BMW K 1300 R (Photo: Keoghs Vision Photography)

From Sunday (January 13, 2019) there will be lane closures at Spencers Cutting for roadworks on a 1.2km section of the highway.

To reduce impact on traffic, work will be carried out between 6pm and 6am from Sunday and is expected to be complete by Friday 25 January, weather permitting.

Traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place.

For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

More complaints

This is not the first time riders have complained about roadworks on the Oxley Highway.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Are more red light cameras welcome?

January 8, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

While many riders hate covert speed cameras that are turning us into a nation of speedo gazers, they should welcome more red light traffic cameras.

Lane filtering now puts us at the front of the traffic light queue, so when the light changes to green we have a duty to get away quickly to avoid holding up traffic.

However, this puts us in danger of being cleaned up by motorists running yellow and/or red lights.

More red light cameras with good signage might just prevent motorists from running lights and putting us in danger.

Queensland has just added eight more intersections to its list of locations with new combined red light and speed cameras.

They not only detect motorists who disobey the red traffic light, but also those who speed through the intersection.

Statistics reveal that 11% of all serious casualties on Queensland roads occur at intersections with traffic lights.

Accidents involving motorists running red lights are usually t-bone crashes which are the most lethal, especially for riders.

During the past five years, 42 people have been killed and more than 3000 hospitalised in crashes at signalised intersections in Queensland.

Triggering traffic lights

The only problem we can see if if the lights fail don’t change for motorcycles.

Many small motorbikes don’t trigger the inductor loop in the ground.

red light cameras — Tell-tale cut marks in the road

Click here to find out how to make them trigger and what you can do if they don’t work.

Riders who give up waiting for the lights to change and ride through the red light can expect to cop a fine!

If these cameras are being installed at more intersections, it is vital that the authorities ensure lights detect motorcycles or install more roadside buttons like these to trigger the lights.

Speed and red light cameras

The new combined red light and speed cameras are fixed and operate 24 hours a day.

They are at the following intersections in Queensland:

Glenlyon Street, Gladstone Central at intersection with Tank Street;
Anzac Avenue Road, Kippa-Ring at intersection with Boardman Road;
Morayfield Road, Morayfield (intersection of Caboolture River Road);
Lutwyche Road, Lutwyche (intersection of Norman Avenue);
Lutwyche Road, Kedron (intersection of Kedron Park Road);
Old Cleveland Road, Coorparoo (intersection of Cavendish Road);
Smith Street, Southport (intersection of Kumbari Avenue); and
Bermuda Street, Burleigh Waters (intersection of Christine Avenue).

The combined red light and speed camera systems have advisory signs installed prior to the intersection advising motorists that a combined red light and speed camera system is operating.

For the complete list of combined speed and red light cameras in Queensland, click here.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Melting Oxley Highway to be inspected

January 7, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

Parts of the famed and much-loved Oxley Highway are melting in recent heatwave conditions, prompting a departmental inspection to assess the dangers to motorcyclists.

Local rider Ken Healey says on the Port Macquarie Road Riders Facebook page that the road 25km west of Gingers Creek not far past the 80km/h zone is melting in the heat.

He says the lines of molten tar are “right on the line your bike is going to take”.

Photographs on this page were taken when the temperature was 31C.

“The road was re-surfaced here about two years ago,” says Ken who organised the Save the Oxley petition and rally to retain the highway speed limits..

“Clearly it is not lasting and extremely dangerous.”

He says he and another rider had a front-tyre slip out on the molten tar.

We contacted Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) about the melting road and they said they said it would be inspected.

“The Mid North Coast maintenance teams are inspecting the section of the Oxley Highway this week, to determine if any further work is needed to ensure the safety of road users,” a spokesperson says.

Melting moments

A similar melting incident was encountered last summer on Mt Glorious Rd west of Brisbane.

One rider crashed in the molten tar and the road was subsequently resurfaced.

Melting road surfaces have also been encountered on recent roadworks on the mountain section of the Oxley Highway.

“It is already getting slippery on the new surface that is only a few weeks old, on the bottom half of the mountain,” Ken says.

“It will be ripped to bits by the end of summer and even more dangerous.

Oxley roadworks

The RMS says it is “investing in the safety of Oxley Highway with a significant package of work recently implemented along the corridor”.

Roads and Maritime undertook resealing work in November and December on the Oxley Highway between Toms Creek and 85 kilometres west of Wauchope, which includes work in the mountain section.

“This reseal was comprised of a spray seal mix of bitumen and aggregate,” the spokesperson says.

“It is acknowledged motorbike riders frequently use the Oxley Highway for recreational purposes.

More complaints

This is not the first time riders have complained about roadworks on the Oxley Highway.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Cop injured under emergency speed rule

January 5, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

A recent crash that injured a NSW police motorcyclist happened despite a new rule requiring motorists to slow to 40km/h when passing stationary or slow-moving emergency vehicles.

The incident occurred at Warrell Creek near Nambucca Heads, NSW, last Sunday when the officer pulled over a car and was hit by another car.

Motorcycle Council of NSW Chairman Steve Pearce says it’s “just a matter of time until a serious incident occurs as a result of this rule”.

“The fact is our motorways were never constructed with emergency management considered adequately,” he says.

“Asking drivers to reduce speed from 110km/h to 40km/h without adequate warning is just a recipe for a disaster.

“In my view, the NSW Government have opened themselves to a possible damages action. A driver/rider should expect to be given adequate warning to reduce speed from 110km to 40km. The legislation as it stands does not allow for any adequate or reasonable warning structure whatsoever.”

Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey says the new rule which matches rules in Victoria and Western Australia is under a 12-month review and she is awaiting a police report on the incident. South Australia has a similar rule but a 25km/h speed.

The RACV says it could be difficult for motorists to see flashing emergency vehicles’ lights over a hill and have enough time to slow down to 40km/h.

The Queensland Government has rejected Police Union calls for a similar road rule.

The major concern is that vulnerable motorcyclists, such as the NSW police officer, are at risk.

In fact, the person the rule was meant to protect appears to be a victim in this incident.

NSW Police say the 48-year-old officer has undergone surgery for fractures to his right leg.

A 70-year-old woman from Queensland, the driver of the Mazda2, has been interviewed by police and released pending further investigation, spokesperson says.

“The matter is currently being investigated by the Crash Investigation Unit and it is too early to speculate on the associated factors,” she says.

Tips on emergency rule

If riders see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle, there are several things they can do to avoid a rear-ender.

Look at traffic behind you to assess the danger;
Indicate and change lanes away from the emergency vehicle, if there is a vacant lane to move into;
If not, switch on the hazard lights;
Brake as smoothly as possible, perhaps activating the brake light on and off to attract the attention of following traffic; and
Search for an escape route, possibly between lanes or on the road edge.

Confusing rule

The rule is confusing for motorists travelling interstate during holidays because of the disparities in the rule and the fact that some states do not have the rule at all.

Emergency vehicles are defined as police cars, fire engines and ambulances displaying red and blue flashing lights and/or sounding their siren.

In Victoria it includes all “escort vehicles”. In SA SES vehicles are included and in WA it extends to all emergency vehicles, including tow trucks, RAC roadside assistance patrol vehicles, and Main Roads Incident Response Vehicles removing road debris and broken-down vehicles.

The rule does not apply if the emergency vehicle is on the other side of the road where there is a median strip.

Fines also vary

In South Australia, you can cop a maximum fine up to $1007 and some motorists have been disqualified for six months.

Victoria’s fine is $272.05, but there is a maximum court penalty of $777.30 if you unsuccessfully challenge the fine.

In NSW, the fine is $448 and three demerit points while in WA it is $300 and three points.

The new road rule will be trialled in NSW until August 31, 2019, before all authorities concerned decide whether to make the law permanent.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Crash rates around passing lanes:

Passing lane woes

Stories You May Also Like

Search for justice

How to avoid rear-ender

UCLA research

Chemical process

Stress and speed

Stories You May Also Like

Water to cool road

Melting tar cause

How to fix the issue

Mt Glorious melts

Identification not registration

Rule breakers

Petitions against cyclists

Stories You May Also Like

Melting tar cause

How to fix the issue

Mt Glorious melts

Melting moments

Oxley roadworks

More complaints

Stories You May Also Like

Triggering traffic lights

Speed and red light cameras

Stories You May Also Like

Melting moments

Oxley roadworks

More complaints

Stories You May Also Like

Tips on emergency rule

Confusing rule

Fines also vary

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