Police confirm that a number plate scam has landed some motorists with fines for speeding offences they did commit and unpaid toll notices they did not accrue.
They believe the offenders are using vehicle sales websites to find a vehicle matching the model of their owned or stolen vehicle.
Offenders then create a duplicate number plate on laminated paper and place it on their vehicle.
This plate scam has been around for a while but surfaced again recently in Brisbane when Moreton South Patrol Group received enquiries from motorists who received Traffic Infringement Notices in the mail for speeding offences.
Queensland Police say the motorists denied the speeding fine allegations and provided photographic evidence to prove the vehicle in the speeding offence photo was not theirs, even though it had their number plate.
“Further enquiries have revealed that many of these vehicles have been advertised on commercial car sale websites, exposing their registration details,” they say.
Recently police have also charged offenders with possessing false number plates that share the same number to similar vehicles owned by other people.
However, they have not said how many offenders have been apprehended nor how many speeding fines have been waived.
Plate scam not new
Police and transport departments in NSW and Victoria states the plate scam is not new, but are unable to supply statistics for speeding fines waived or offenders who can be charged with both criminal and traffic offences.
It is recommended that private sellers blur their number plates when they advertise their vehicle online.
In Victoria, Victoria Police, VicRoads, Department of Justice and Regulation, Fines Victoria, the Crime Statistics Agency and National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council are investigating the misuse and theft of number plates.
“If an individual suspects number plate misuse of any kind, they should immediately contact police,” VicRoads suggests.
South Australia Police say it has not affected motorists in their state. Tasmania and WA authorities did not reply to our inquiries.
Unpaid tolls
The scammers have also been using tollways with the video recognition fee going to the registered owners of the plate.
Kingaroy rider Paulette Devine copped a $10.78 fee for an unpaid $2.28 motorway toll when her Kawasaki Ninja 250 was parked in her garage more than 200km away.
Tollway photo of Paulette’s plate on another bike
She bought the Ninja in July 2017 through Gumtree.
We contacted Queensland tollway company Linkt who confirmed they had waived Paulette’s toll.
Linkt is owned by Transurban which also owns CityLink in Melbourne and six tollways in Sydney.
Riders heading into the Outback this Christmas should be aware of the dangers of hitting kangaroos, says the Royal Flying Doctor Service whose planes have even hit them.
“The roo problem is significant as they come to the edges of the road to graze in the current drought conditions,” a spokeswoman for the RFDS NSW/ACT says.
“Road accidents as a result are on the increase and we have communicated safety advice internally to our teams, and have suffered roo strikes on our landing aircraft.
“It is a major cause of concern right now and a lot of regional communities, such as Hay, are running safety and awareness programs.
“Dusk and dawn are problematic and we have advised our team when driving to brake in a straight line when faced with hitting one, not to swerve to avoid hitting them in which case the accident can become much more serious,” the RFDS spokeswoman says.
The uniquely Australian service attends a “significant” number of rescues of riders involved in motorcycle crashes in remote parts of our Outback.
They say their emergency services are allocated based on a range of factors such as availability and location.
“Motorcyclists should call 000 in event of an accident and the call will be directed to the appropriate medical team,” a spokeswoman says.
“It is also possible to call the RFDS directly on (08) 8080 1188 in the event of illness or an accident if they are in a particularly remote location.
“It’s a good idea for riders to keep this number on them as a back-up. Anyone who rings us on our emergency line will be triaged by our doctor and the appropriate response initiated.”
“There is no cost to the user for RFDS medical services or flights if that is what is used,” she says.
However, riders should still be aware that there is a cost if an ambulance is called.
“It’s not required to cover RFDS services but private health cover is recommended in case an ambulance attends, rather than the RFDS,” she says.
“There are costs associated with being picked up by an ambulance.”
Chopper squad
Helicopter services such as LifeFlight and Careflight are based on the coast and only have a flying range of an hour.
Likewise, location and distances have a lot to do with whether ambulance or RFDS attend an accident.
As a result, which service attends in accident has a lot to do with the geographical location the accident occurred.
Royal Flying Doctor Service top Outback tips
The RFDS website features a Travelling Outback section which has a handy checklist for riders:
Get good quality maps (paper and GPS) and plan your route.
Don’t travel in the hottest part of the year.
Be aware of kangaroos and emus.
Be careful not to pack too much. It makes the bike heavy and difficult to control in soft sand, mud and gravel.
Store water in small containers instead of one large tank to spread the load. Check all water containers for leaks. In very hot conditions aim to carry 10 litres of water per person per day and don’t rely on waterholes, dams, bores, mills, tanks or troughs for water. A back-up vehicle is ideal for extreme Outback adventures.
Take a summary of your medical history with you and bring all medication and repeat scripts.
We recommend a I.C.E.mergency USB to store medical information. BUY NOW for less than $20.
Pack a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
In an emergency, dial 000 and be prepared to give your location. If you own a smartphone download the Emergency + app which gives your longitude and latitude. It will help emergency services such as the RFDS to find you. If you don’t have a smartphone, keep an eye on the crossroads as you travel and mark your journey on a map. Be aware that some very remote areas have no mobile coverage so pack an EPIRB or satellite phone.
The RFDS SE also recommends that people travelling to remote areas do a first-aid course and carry a kit with them.
The RFDS also has a Fast First Aid booklet with advice for people with no medical training on how to manage first-aid situations. It includes managing a heart attack, snake bites, choking, burns and severe bleeding.
It is free in NSW and ACT only. To receive your copy text ‘NOW’ to 0428 044 444. Delivery may be slightly delayed over the holiday period.
Florida woman Jennifer St Clair, 33, was killed when she was run over by several cars after she fell off a motorcycle pillion seat on her first date with the rider.
Florida Highway Patrol are not sure of the details of the incident last weekend and are calling for witnesses.
The rider has been identified and the matter is being treated as a traffic homicide.
Witnesses say the rider sped off and left the woman for dead on the highway.
This is terribly sad news and we can only speculate on what might have happened.
The general rule is that the more comfortable the passenger is, the safer you both are.
But that doesn’t mean you can only carry a pillion if you own a Gold Wing or Ultra Classic.
Perhaps the most enjoyable pillioning my wife and I have ever done was on a Triumph Bonneville T100.
Mr and Mrs MBW
She prefers light bikes because she feels I’ll be able to hold it up. She also prefers they aren’t too powerful and intimidating. The Bonne is also low enough for to just throw a leg over, rather than having to step on the footpeg and hoist over.
But there is no use buying a bike your regular passenger will hate, so ask their opinion. They may actually prefer the budgie perch of a sportsbike because it satisfies their desire for sportiness over comfort.
That means lots and lots of test rides together.
2 Mounting and dismounting.
Advise your pillion to ask permission before hopping on so you have a good hold of the bars and both feet on the ground. Don’t try to do this on the side stand as you may bend it, nor the centre stand as you may not be able to rock the bike to get it back down.
Request your passenger to alight as soon as you stop, then park your bike without them. Don’t be a hero and try to do it with them on board unless you are certain of your abilities and the ground surface. If you drop it, you will quickly go from hero to zero.
Mrs MotorbikeWriter in her pillion position aboard an Indian Roadmaster
3 Exhaust warning.
Warn your pillion about putting their foot or leg on the hot exhaust. Nothing spoils a two-up trip more than a quick visit to the emergency ward to treat a leg burn.
4 Don’t scare your pillion.
They won’t have any trust in you if the first time you take them for a ride you hoist it up on one wheel or whittle down your knee sliders in the corners.
As their level of trust rises, you may add these to your repertoire, but always give them a tap on the leg first to broadcast that you are about to do a wheelie (easier with a pillion) or go for a radical lean angle.
5 Communicate.
Rider and pillion communication used to consist of hand signals or, more likely, a vice-like thigh grip from your pillion when they are scared or a whack on the back of the helmet when they want you to stop and let them off.
Agree on a set of signals before you even put on your helmets and mount the bike. You’ll need signals for when you can mount, hazard coming up (bump, sharp turn etc), slow down, speed up, stop, and when to get off.
If it all sounds too complicated, get a Bluetooth communications system. It not only clears up any confusing hand signals, but also means you can enjoy a chat with your pillion.
6 Be smooth.
Anyone who has ever carried a pillion will be aware of “helmet bump”.
As you accelerate, your pillion tenses their stomach muscles and pulls themselves forward. Your pillion doesn’t know when you are going to change gears, so they stay tense. As soon you dip the clutch, momentum slightly lags and they naturally rock forward, banging their helmet into yours.
There are two ways you can prevent this.
First is to be smooth with your gear changes. The second is to move your head and shoulders forward as you pull the clutch in, leaving the lower part of your back as a buffer to soak up your pillion’s forward movement.
After a while, most pillions learn to listen to the engine revs and brace themselves for the coming gear change.
The “pillion in a million”
7 To lean or not to lean.
Of course, pillions shouldn’t lean opposite to the rider.
But some riders tell their pillion to lean into the corner with them.
I don’t agree as you never know how much they will lean and therefore how tightly the bike will corner.
It’s best to tell them to remain fairly still throughout your journey. In fact, advise your pillion that any fidgeting can cause instability and a possible topple, especially at slow speeds and when stopped at the traffic lights.
8 Suspension adjustment.
Most bikes have their suspension set at the factory for the “standard rider” weight of about 80kg. If you weigh substantially more or less, you should make suitable adjustments to the suspension.
However, a pillion changes the load even more significantly. A rider might vary several kilograms above or below the standard rider weight, but a pillion can more than double that difference.
Also, the centre of gravity is now much higher and further back, which will upset the handling and make the steering light.
If your bike has suspension adjustment, make sure you use it. Usually pumping up the preload on the rear spring is enough.
If there is no adjustment and you are going to be doing a lot of two-up riding, it is wise to fit an adjustable rear shock.
Other areas that may need adjustment include the tyres, chain and headlights. Consult your manual for ideal tyre pressures for two-up and how to adjust the chain and headlight beam.
You can reduce handling and steering anomalies by asking your pillion to sit as close as possible to you. Then you will move together in harmony with the bike and better focus the bike’s centre of gravity. But be aware this will prevent you moving around in your seat and you will have to adjust your riding style to suit.
9 Braking.
A pillion’s weight will also reduce braking efficiency.
Not only will the bike take longer to stop, but in a panic situation, your pillion may be flung on to your back. You not only have to support all your weight on your wrists, but also the weight of your pillion. This can cause riders to lose grip on the bars with inevitable consequences.
Also, the rearward weight bias will make the rear brake more effective and less likely to lock up, so use it more. But that does not mean you should use the front brake any less.
10 Gear up.
Just as riders should always wear the right gear, so should pillions.
Your pillion deserves the same level of equipment protection as you.
That also means warm gear when it’s cold, hot weather gear for summer and wets for when it rains.
Riders should also be aware that they block much of the breeze from their pillion, so in summer your pillion is going to need even better ventilated gear.
In winter, riders get some comfort from the heat that comes off the engine, but their pillion may not, so it’s advisable they rug up even more than you.
Bike accessories are also important to a pillion. Luggage will allow them to bring an extra pair of high heels and cocktail dress with them and a sissy bar will provide extra confidence.
However, a loud aftermarket pipe might just be too annoying. Remember, they are a lot closer to it than you. At least put the baffle plug in when carrying a pillion.
Do you have any other pillion safety tips? Leave your comments below.
Many riders may not realise that if they are involved in a crash, they may not be covered for what could be a very long and expensive ambulance ride.
Freebies
The good news for permanent Queensland and Tasmanian residents is that they are covered. Even if they travel interstate and crash. That includes all emergency pre-hospital ambulance treatment and transport Australia-wide.
If you crash outside the state and receive an invoice for ambulance treatment and transport, just send it to the Queensland or Tasmanian ambulance service with proof of residency for payment.
Interestingly, Queensland won’t pay up if a Tasmanian makes a clam in that state!
Costly ambulance ride
However, if you are not a resident of those states, the cheapest ambulance callout fee is $382 in NSW. Then it rises massively.
NT is $790, ACT $959, Western Australia $967, South Australia $976 and Victoria – a popular destination for interstate riders – is a massive $1204.
That’s just for starters.
Depending on the length of the ambulance ride and the services required, it can cost thousands.
And you will still be liable for the cost even if someone else calls an ambulance for you and you refuse service.
Insurance
Many riders erroneously believe they are covered by Medicare.
Others believe their private medical insurance will cover the ambulance ride, but that may not always be the case.
Have a look at the fine print in your insurance now before you head off interstate these Christmas holidays.
If not, you can pay a fairly small membership fee (usually under $100 for a family) to the ambulance service in your state. But that still won’t cover you interstate.
You can also upgrade your insurance to include ambulance cover, or you can opt for a specialist ambulance cover.
But again, make sure it covers you Australia-wide.
Also, find out if the cover includes just emergencies or non-emergencies as well and includes all pre-hospital treatment.
Some pensioner and concession cards may either provide free cover for an ambulance ride and treatment or at least a discount on ambulance insurance.
If you only need insurance while you are interstate, the cheapest option could be set-period travel insurance. Just make sure ambulance services are included.
Several days after saying novelty helmet covers were legal, VicPol has thrown doubt on the issue saying it had to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
At first they simply replied: “It is not illegal to put a hat over the helmet”.
Five days later VicPol updated their comment saying it is “not possible to provide a blanket yes or no answer to your query, as it must be assessed on an individual basis”.
They suggest the following points could impact on the compliance:
The correct fitment is highly unlikely as the covers are “one size fits all’ and not manufactured for specific brand / model helmets.
The cover has the potential to impede vision through the visor when fitted or whilst travelling.
The cover may prevent the rider from securing the helmet correctly through the helmet buckle.
The cover has the potential to move / fall off at speed.
Queensland and South Australia police say novelty helmet covers are legal:
Novelty helmet covers are not illegal, as long as the rider is wearing a motorcycle helmet that complies with Australian standards and is securely fastened. Riders will need to ensure that the novelty cover does not obscure their vision.
More doubt
However, there could be more doubt over their legality if you are involved in a crash while wearing one.
ACT Police say they would “take action against the user of the helmet cover if it contributed to an incident or collision (for example, if the cover impeded the vision of a rider)”.
“It is concerning to police that the manufacturers openly identify significant risks to the user of the product on their website,” they say.
Most riders wear novelty helmets as part of a fund-raising or at least fun-raising ride.
It would be a very belligerent copper who fined a rider over a helmet cover!
Helmet cover pros and cons
Apart from being fun on many occasions, not just Christmas, novelty helmet covers have some practical advantages.
They protect your helmet from dust, scratches and chips, as well as reducing wind noise.
However, riders should also be aware that there are some disadvantages.
They can also suppress important surrounding noises such as emergency sirens or the sound of screeching tyres.
They also reduce ventilation which would make them stiflingly hot on a summer’s day, especially if being worn in a slow-moving toy run procession.
Since they are not securely fastened to the helmet, they can also flap around and shift at high speeds, potentially blocking your vision.
Most suppliers recommend they not be worn on the highway, but only at city speeds.
Since most are only worn in charity parades, speed should not be an issue.
Buying a motorcycle and hitting the open road is exciting. Filtering through different types of insurance and warranties? Not so much.
Insurance costs money and doesn’t seem necessary – until you actually need it. The same can be said for additional levels of warranty to protect the bike. Once something goes wrong, you’ll be grateful for the extensive coverage that has you covered.
If you are new to motorcycle insurance and warranties, you’ll need to learn a few things before settling on coverage.
Yes, You Need It
If you are debating whether insurance is worth the monthly payment, the answer is yes.
Anyone who has been in some sort of accident will tell you just how useful the coverage is as soon as you need it. It is better to have insurance and not need it than to not have it and definitely need it.
There are also legal requirements. Most states will mandate minimum levels of liability coverage before registering. Legally, you can face some heavy fines if you are discovered riding without insurance.
So, bottom line, yes you need it. More importantly, you need good coverage.
You May Already Have It
For warranty, you may already have some coverage. New motorcycles will typically have basic warranty – some level of top to bottom coverage for a certain amount of time or mileage. This can cover some issues – but not all.
Consider looking into extended warranty to cover more serious concerns for a longer period of time – like the reputable extended car warranty companies at Car Warranty Guru. Extended warranty is aftermarket warranty that extends beyond the manufacturer warranty.
Go Above and Beyond
For insurance, you can stop at minimum liability insurance, which meets state requirements and covers the other party when you are at fault. Most states have minimum coverage levels around $US25,000 of bodily injury coverage, about a total of $US50,000 per accident, and certain levels of property damage.
Depending on where you live, those levels might not cover much. If you want to play on the safe side, opt for higher levels of coverage.
If you are in a serious accident, you could find yourself filing bankruptcy after maxing out on the insurance coverage levels. Don’t be stuck paying someone else’s medical bills and keep yourself covered.
Consider More
So far, we’ve dived into just liability coverage. Comprehensive and collision coverage are other types of coverage that are equally important.
Collision coverage kicks in when you damage another vehicle or cause damage to your bike. It can also help pay off any remaining loan balance. Comprehensive coverage is important when your bike is destroyed, disappears, or is damaged by something other than another vehicle. This can include theft, fire, and more. These two cover a lot more than liability, especially when you are fault in the accident.
To be transparent, the cost of insurance for motorcycles, especially for younger people, can get quite high. If you are willing to make the commitment to being a motorcycle owner, expect to take the insurance hike that comes with it.
Don’t Forget About Yourself
In all of this worry about what happens to the other people in the accident, don’t forget about yourself. It is important to have insurance that will cover bodily damage to you as well.
Medical payment coverage can help with broken arms and broken legs, as well as time away from work. Health insurance can only go so far, and sometimes it is not enough.
Know What You Already Have
When you buy a motorbike, it comes with lots of paperwork and confusing language, especially for someone new to all of it. As mentioned, you will have some level of warranty, sometimes from the dealership itself. Take the time to understand the language and know what is there to keep both you and the bike covered in times of need.
A motorcycle is an intricate machine composed of many parts. These should all be checked on a regular basis. Just like if you owned a car and the windshield was cracked, you would take it to an auto glass shop such as www.richmondhillautoglass.ca, a motorcycle also needs routine maintenance. It helps to detect and fix any small issues that can balloon into major problems.
Here, the goal is to narrow it down to the most important items in need of annual maintenance.
Let’s jump into the most important annual motorcycle maintenance updates.
Tired Tires
An under-inflated tire can easily lead to a blow-out, which can become a major issue on a highway ride. Definitely check on tire inflation regularly to ensure they are balanced just right.
This can be done with a tire gauge and visual inspections. Over time, you’ll learn how to instinctively know if the tire is at a good pressure point.
Tires should also be replaced when the tread wears down. If the tread depth is around 1-2 millimeters, it is replacement time. A motorcycle isn’t worth much without a good set of tires, so don’t skimp out when replacing them.
Break for the Brakes
Over time, brake fluid becomes less effective and therefore more dangerous on a ride. Brake fluid should typically be replaced every one or two years to ensure the best performance.
Motorcycles typically have two reservoirs for brake fluid. One is near the front on the handlebars and another in the back. Both need to be checked annually.
Additionally, brake pads need to be checked for replacement. If they are thin, they might be due for replacement. If brake pads wear down to the metal, the brake disc will lead to an expensive replacement. This is easily avoided by checking brake pad thickness regularly.
Check the Chain (and Sprockets, Shaft Drives, and Belts)
The combination of chains, sprockets, shaft drives, and belts are essential to the function of the motorcycle. Poor maintenance of these parts will lead to expensive repairs and replacements down the road. Chains: Chains on the motorcycle need to be constantly lubricated. Experts suggest spraying it with a chain spray whenever you refuel or at the end of the ride. If you do it after each ride, the chain will still be warm, and the oil will be able to soak in and get all of the chain covered. Spray liberally where the chain touches the sprockets. Be careful not to dirty the rear wheel and rim while spraying. A way to avoid that is to put newspaper between the chain and tire before spraying. Allow the oil to soak in for five minutes or so before removing excess oil. Shaft Drives: This piece requires a little less maintenance, but still deserves attention. Replace the shaft drive oil whenever it is time for an oil change. This will prolong the life of the shaft drive and the bike overall.
Belt Drives: Again, another piece requiring little maintenance. Check and adjust the belt tension anytime the oil is being changed. The belt should always be cleaned for the health of the bike.
Fill the Fuel
This doesn’t just mean to gas up the bike for the obvious purpose of getting the bike to go. Fuel maintenance requires replacing the fuel filter every two years and checking for clogs annually. Fuel filters can be easily damaged by weather, and if it is, should be replaced immediately. If the bike, and therefore the gas, sits for a long time, it should be replaced. Running on gas older than 6 months can lead to damage to the bike. If the bike is sitting for an extended period of time, turn the fuel tap off. This will help prevent fuel from leaking and flooding the carbs or engine.
Always Check the Oil
Oil and oil filter changes will keep your bike healthy and running for a long time. Changing the oil is a great time to check a lot of the other maintenance issues listed here. The oil level shouldbe kept at a high or max level as much as possible. A low oil level can be damaging for the bike.
Battery for life
Just like a car, the battery can lead to breakdowns and a stranded rider. The location of the battery on a motorcycle means it is often overlooked, but it is no less important for maintenance. Batteries need monthly maintenance. It should always be kept at 100% and recharged as needed.
Some tips for maintaining the battery include:
Checking the electrolyte level
Topping up in a well-ventilated area with deionized or distilled water while wearing gloves and protective glasses
Keeping the battery top free of grime
Checking all cables, case, and clamps for damage or any loose connections
Cleaning terminals and connectors
Looking inside for a build-up of sediment, sulfation, or mossing
Keeping the exhaust tube free from clogs and kinks
Replacing caps
Testing the battery with a hydrometer or voltmeter
Checking all of this monthly to extend the life of the bike
The goal of a motorcycle owner is to keep the ride running smoothly and safely for as long as possible. Following these maintenance tips will help extend the longevity of the bike and make sure you are safe while doing it.
If you are single with no direct dependents such as children or other close relatives, then it won’t be as beneficial to get life insurance. But if you have a partner and children, then a life insurance policy is a good way to extend your love and care for them, at least financially, even after you’re gone.
We understand that getting life insurance is going to be an extra cost for you. A sizeable part of your monthly income will have to be given up to pay for the policy. But it doesn’t really have to be this way. There are things that you can do to lower your premium, and we will discuss some of them here.
Quit smoking
Paying a cheaper monthly premium for your life insurance policy is going to be beneficial in a lot of ways. For one, it will put you in a better position to purchase other insurance such as car insurance.
One sure way to lower the amount that you have to pay as premium is to stop smoking. According to a summary created by the US Department of Health and Human Services in 2014, smoking is the cause of at least 400,000 premature deaths in the country each year. It’s not difficult to see why this is so; it has been known that cigarette smoke contains at least 250 harmful chemicals, 69 of which have been linked to cancer.
You see, an insurance premium rises when the company senses by looking at your medical records that you are exposing yourself to situations that unwittingly increase the chances of you dying prematurely and them paying out to your beneficiary even before you’ve paid them a considerable amount of cash.
Lose weight
Being overweight – or worse, obese – does not only slow you down and make moving around a chore, it also predisposes you to different types of cancers. In overweight women who have been through menopause, for example, breast cancer is going to be their number 1 enemy.
Excess fat in the body also makes it difficult for your body to resist the development of other chronic and probably fatal illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. Given this knowledge, it is only normal for the insurer to anticipate your death quite early, and an increased premium is their way to also protect their business. If you strive for and actually achieve a certain level of fitness right before you apply for life insurance, the probability is high that your premium will be at its minimum.
Avoid traffic violations
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that more than 37,000 lives were lost in traffic mishaps in 2016. Many of the recorded accidents are caused by totally preventable factors such as intoxication and distracted driving. If you’ve been apprehended for drunk driving and texting while driving, for example, you are basically telling the insurer that you will soon join NHTSA’s statistics.
More than ensuring your safety on the road, following traffic rules enforced by the city government of Des Moines also helps pay less for your life and car insurance. If you’re involved in an accident, it can become really tricky to get your benefits if you don’t get the help of Des Moines auto insurance claims lawyers. You see, some insurance companies are hesitant to give payouts on car damage that is brought about by potentially ambiguous causes.
Roundabouts are a particular danger for riders not being seen by drivers as this video clearly shows.
Even though rider Brendan Sellers of Adelaide is wearing bright red and white leathers and is on a bright red Kawasaki Ninja on a clear and sunny day, the Honda sedan driver just drives straight out in front of him.
Peachey/petherton roundabout tuesday 20-11-18 @ 4:30pm.Honda driver blatently failed to give-way as can be seen by his position entering the roundabout (as far left as he could go).He almost caused a severe accident.Open your eyes i have a right to return home safely as every one does, the 2 seconds they saved could have cost me dearly with no recourse for thier blatant stupidity
Brendan posted the video on Dashcams Adelaide to alert drivers to open their eyes.
“I have a right to return home safely as every one does,” he writes. “The two seconds they saved could have cost me dearly with no recourse for their blatant stupidity.”
Many riders have experienced similar situations at roundabouts and wonder why drivers either don’t see us or deliberately ignore us.
While roundabouts were designed to be safer than 90-degree intersections, even Austroads has acknowledged the danger for riders.
They have called for physical changes to roundabouts to make them safer for vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists, scooterists and cyclists. Click here to read more.
ROUNDABOUTS: PROBLEMS
There can be a number of reasons why vehicles drive out in front of riders that can be attributed to both the nature of a roundabout and the attitude of drivers.
Traffic flow
Austroads says Australian roundabouts are designed to allow plenty of vision so traffic can continue to flow, rather than coming to a complete stop every time.
They rarely have stop signs, only give-away or simply roundabout signs.
This means drivers are not preparing or hoping to come to a full stop. They are anticipating a smooth flow through the roundabout. Some even straight-line the roundabout without slowing at all.
Approaching speed
At a crossroads intersection, drivers can have a difficult time estimating the approaching speed of a rider coming at them from a 90-degree angle.
When the rider is changing direction around a roundabout, it may be even more difficult to estimate their approach speed, so drivers can misjudge and drive out in front of them.
Blind spots
Since the rider isn’t approaching them from 90 degrees, but more like 60 degrees, that places them in the car’s A-pillar blind spot not in the driver’s window.
With curtain airbags in many modern cars, this pillar is thick and can easily obscure a narrow motorcycle.
Of course, there is also the theory that a small motorcycle is not received as much of a threat compared with a vehicle the same size or bigger.
Consequently, some drivers have a tendency to miscalculate the risks.
There is also less of a perceived risk when the impending crash is more of a glancing blow of “sideswipe” because of the approach angle on a roundabout, rather than a head-in or t-bone crash at a crossroads intersection.
ROUNDABOUTS: SOLUTIONS
We’ve heard it all before, but we need to approach a roundabout the same way we approach any riding – ride like everyone else is out to get you!
There are many other scenarios at roundabouts other than the one above. All require a lot of caution and attention.
A typical sideswipe crash at a roundabout
Slow and cautious
That means a slow and cautious approach. Grab a lower gear and cover your gently apply the brakes.
If you need to stop you have already set up the brakes and just need to apply more pressure.
If you need to avoid a car by speeding up, then you have the right gear selected.
Look left right and behind
Obviously you need to look to your right to slow for traffic on the roundabout (opposite in left-drive countries).
But you also need to look left for vehicles stealing your right of way. Make sure you look the driver right in the eye to see that they have actually seen you.
If they haven’t, maybe give a quick blast of the horn to attract their attention. Don’t flash your lights was this is both illegal and could give the wrong impression that you are letting them go in front of you.
Rear-enders
You also need eyes in the back of your head!
Many riders are rear-ended at roundabouts. This is because they may be cautiously approaching and probably stopping while the traffic behind is anticipating continued progress and shunt the rider from behind.
Loud pipes?
The rider in the top video vents his frustration by loudly revving his bike. That really does nothing to alert the driver and it’s after the incident, anyway.
If you believe drivers have not seen you, a short blast on the horn will do more to attract attention than a loud exhaust. But that’s another debate!
Experienced riders and newcomers alike often feel like their ride could use a more personal kind of upgrade. While the technical details of a new motorcycle purchase are essential, many motorcycle enthusiasts purchase vehicles more on the basis of how the bike looks and feels that they do on any technical specs.
That said, things like safety, fuel economy, and insurance costs are basic details that should never be overlooked. A beautiful ride is one thing, but it is important to see the entire picture. While we recommend knowing everything, there is to know about any bike you might decide to purchase, and we know that the attitude and character of the bike are just as important to the true motorcycle enthusiast. With that in mind, here are a few tips that will help you make the right choice.
#1: Listen to What Other Enthusiasts Have to Say
Talk to actual riders about their bikes. Find out what they like and what they don’t. Find out what they would want in their next bike that their current ride doesn’t deliver. All riders’ tastes vary so catalog the information and decide what details are of the most personal importance. Take note of the styles, makes, and models that seem to have the kinds of specifications you find most appealing.
Rider forums and social media channels are also excellent sources of information. Take particular note of posts from riders who discuss specific makes and models that sound appealing. Learn everything possible – both positives and negatives. The perfect ride may not exist, but some bikes will be a better fit for certain riders than they will be for others.
There are also some excellent informational resources that can help move the selection process along more quickly. Manyprofessional bloggers and custom writing services like this collaborate on and publish information that places the wants and needs of the rider in the spotlight. You’re reading one of those pieces right now. Keep reading for more inspiration, and you might discover a few things you didn’t even know you wanted in a bike.
#2: Get A Few Non-Biased Opinions
No, the technical details might be as exciting as a blog post about top riding destinations, but they are nonetheless important. Some bikes just aren’t suited for the types of climates, altitudes, and terrains the rider would want them to tackle.
Part of knowing that a bike is a good match is knowing that it can perform the way the rider expects. The only way to find out is to read a few objectiveconsumer reviews. Get the facts. Doing so can help keep you from making a disappointing choice.
#3: Compare Models Side-By-Side
Go to several different dealerships and speak with the sales reps about the different models they have available. Remember, the goal of any dealer rep is to make a sale so don’t expect unbiased opinions here. This is why a bit of independent research is essential before walking into a dealership. Get several opinions from people who have a vested interest in selling a bike. Most are riders themselves and will give you honest opinions about the advantages and disadvantages based on what they find out about your wants, needs, and personal tastes.
As a parting note, always trust your feelings and intuition. Just because a bike is popular doesn’t mean it’s all that great or that it would be a good fit for you. Be patient, assess all available options, and make the best possible selection. A new bike is an investment that no rider wants to regret.
