A 34-year-old male rider died in hospital yesterday (26 February 2020) from injuries sustained in a crash near Warrnambool, Victoria, three weeks ago.
Victorian Police say the Kensington man was riding his bike on Illowa Road when he collided with a vehicle near the intersection of Princes Highway about 9.30pm on Saturday, 8 February, 2020.
He sustained life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital in a serious condition where he died yesterday, almost three weeks later.
The driver of the vehicle, a 74-year-old man and his 71-year-old female passenger stopped at the scene.
The Jancourt East pair were un-injured.
Victorian Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.
Our sincere condolences to the rider’s family and friends.
Victorian Police have warned riders heading to the Phillip Island MotoGP this weekend of increased patrols in and around the track.
The annual Operation MotoSafe will also concentrate on eastern Victorian roads leading to the venue.
Eastern Region Road Policing Inspector Stephen Cooper said that this year has been a “particularly challenging year” on Victorian roads, with a “lot of the trauma taking place in country Victoria”.
“At the beginning of the year we saw a lot of fatalities and serious injuries involving motorcyclists,” Insp Cooper says.
“With the warmer weather encouraging riders to get back on their motorcycles, we want everyone to know that police will be out enforcing against those who engage in risky behaviour.”
During the operation, police patrols will target drivers impaired by alcohol and drugs, as well as fatigue.
Track patrols
Between 25 and 27 October, police will patrol in and around the race track and on all roads leading to Phillip Island.
“With increased motorcycle traffic in the area, we need both motorcyclists and other road users to be alert and aware of their surroundings,” Insp Cooper says.
“The Grand Prix weekend is one motorcycle enthusiasts enjoy and look forward to every year.
“The last thing we would want is for it to end in tragedy.”
A highly visible police presence will target motorcyclists on Victorian country roads enjoying the warmer spring weather in Operation Argus this weekend.
Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane says officers would have a “heavy emphasis on motorcycle safety”.
“As we head into spring we expect riders to start getting their bikes out of the garage and making the most of the warmer weather,” he says.
“We don’t want to see a repeat of the beginning of the year, where too many people never finished their ride.
“If a motorcyclist leaves the road, they don’t stand much of a chance. Sadly we have already seen more riders die on our roads this year than the whole of 2018.”
So far this year, 32 riders have died on Victorian roads compared with 21 by the same time last year and the five-year average of 24, according to the Traffic Accident Commission.
Over the past 12 months 49 have died compared with 34 the previous 12 months and the five-year average of 38.
However, Victorian Motorcycle Council media spokesman John Eacott said the scant Victorian Police assessment of crash statistics was “absolutely meaningless”.
Visible police presence
Beautiful Victorian spring weather entices riders
The highly visible police presence will target speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue, seatbelt offences and driver distraction.
There will also be a strong focus on country roads, where the increase in lives lost has predominantly occurred.
“Road trauma doesn’t discriminate and we have seen that time and time again – we just can’t afford to take gambles on the road,” AC Leane says.
“We’re taking road safety seriously and we need Victorian motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to do the same.”
Operation Argus runs from 12.01am tomorrow (5 September 2019) to 11.59pm Sunday (8 September).
Police are appealing for witnesses after a Melbourne rider was thrown from his motorbike and injured in a collision with a car that stopped, but then left the scene.
It follows a spate of hit-run crashes involving cars and motorcycles in Melbourne in the past couple of months.
This latest incident occurred in East Malvern on Tuesday (7 May 2019).
“It is believed a motorbike was travelling east on Dandenong Road just before the intersection of Warrigal Road about 6.20pm,” police say.
“Traffic on Dandenong Road was moving slowly and the motorbike rider was making his way toward the Warrigal Road intersection when he was struck by a dark-coloured Ford Mustang.
“The rider was thrown from his bike and it is believed the driver of the Mustang continued driving then stopped a short distance up the road where he got out of his vehicle.
“The man appeared to look at his vehicle and then got back in and drove off north towards Warrigal Road without speaking to the rider.”
The rider, a 24-year-old Clayton man, was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Investigators are appealing for anyone with dash-cam footage or who may have any information relating to this collision, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Spate of concern
A recent hit-run crash in Melbourne
This spate of hit-run incidents raises the prospect that motorists are viewing riders not as vulnerable road users, but as “temporary Australians” with a death wish.
It could be a direct result of the recent bad press about the high rate of motorcycle fatalities in Victoria, currently at 23.
As far as we know, no one has yet been charged.
In another hit and run in Sydney last month a rider and his pillion were injured and the driver charge.
The Sydney hit-run crash scene (All images: Channel 7 Sydney)
Molly Cahill, 22, of Sans Souci, has been committed to stand trial on June 18 on two charges of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, failing to stop and render assistance after impact and not keeping left of a dividing line.
Do you believe this spate of hit-run crashes is due to a lack of driver concern for motorcyclists? Leave your comments below.
A motorcyclist has died and another is being airlifted to hospital following a collision between two bikes in Shepparton East this morning (4 May 2019).
Victorian Police say the two motorbikes collided on Coach Road near the Midland Highway just after 12.30am.
One male rider, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene.
It brings the number of motorcycle riders who have died in Victoria so far this year to 23, compared with 14 by the same time last year.
The other rider, a male teenager, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Police say the exact circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be established and the investigation remains ongoing.
Coach Road was closed southbound between the Midland Highway and Channel Road.
Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dash cam footage or may have seen the two bikes prior to the collision is urged to contact Crime Stoppers online or phone 1800 333 000.
Victorian Police are working an extra 300 shifts to increase patrols of the state’s rural roads after the tragic start to the year.
Operation Kinetic features priority areas including Bendigo, Dandenong, Epping and Shepparton.
Victorian Motorcycle Council chairman Peter Baulch says the extra patrols were to be expected given the high rider toll.
NSW deaths
The three NSW deaths over the weekend were:
Just after 4.30pm on Sunday (24 March 2019), emergency services were called to the Great Western Highway at Meadow Flat, following reports a motorcyclist had come off his bike. Officers from Chifley Police District attended and found the 59-year-old man had died at the scene.
About 8.30am on Saturday, a motorcycle and a utility collided on Putty Road, Howells Valley, about 50km south of Singleton. The motorcycle rider, a 44-year-old man, sustained serious injuries and was flown to John Hunter Hospital, where he later died. The driver of the utility, a 58-year-old man, was uninjured. He was taken to Singleton Hospital for mandatory blood and urine tests.
Just before 7.30pm on Friday, emergency services were called to the New England Highway near Whittingham, after a motorcycle and two cars collided. Officers from Hunter Valley Police District rendered assistance. The 50-year-old rider died at the scene.
Our condolences to their families and friends.
Steve Pearce in action
Motorcycle Council of NSW chairman Steve Pearce says he is “always saddened” to hear of rider deaths.
“I think we all consider the effect on families and friends, and also the emergency services who have to attend the accident scene,” he says.
“A day out enjoying an activity which gives us so much joy can quickly change for the worse.”
Dangerous riding
NSW Police say they prosecuted several riders over the weekend for traffic dangerous offences:
About 12:20pm on Sunday, Highway Patrol motorcycle officers observed a motorcycle travelling towards them on the incorrect side of the road, while overtaking another vehicle across double yellow lines. The rider was issued an infringement notice for ‘not keep left of the dividing line’, fined $337, and lost three points.
About 3.35pm on Sunday, Hunter Valley Highway Patrol were carrying out “stationary speed enforcement” on the New England Highway at Lower Belford when they detected a motorcycle travelling at 169km/h in a 100km/h zone. Police activated lights and sirens and directed the rider to stop. A 25-year-old Dubbo man has been issued a traffic infringement notice for speeding by more than 45km/h and his licence was suspended.
About 11:20am on Saturday, at Carrathool, officers detected a rider at 160km/h in a 110km/h zone while overtaking another vehicle. The 19-year-old provisional licence-holder was arrested for a blood/urine analysis and issued an infringement notice for exceeding the speed limit over 45km/h. He was fined $2345, his licence was suspended for six months and his registration for three months.
Rider stopped by NSW Police for speeding
Vulnerable riders
NSW Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy of the state’s Traffic & Highway Patrol Command said there had been 18 rider deaths so far this year. That’s six more than at the same time last year.
“Drivers and riders alike need to make sure that they are doing the right thing and sharing our roads safely,” he says.
“Highway Patrol officers will continue out in force to prevent further harm to NSW road users; however, we need the help of the public to stem the current rise in fatalities.”
Steve provided these statistics that show motorcyclists are vulnerable road users:
17% of motorcycle fatalities involve alcohol levels over the legal limit;
Excessive speed is attributed to 54% of motorcycle fatalities; and
8% of motorcycle fatalities involve fatigue.
He says the highest number of motorcycle fatalities are in the age group under 30 while fatalities in the 50-59 age group tripled over the past 10 years. Males are the majority of fatalities (96%) and 17% of motorcyclists killed do not hold a valid Licence.
“These statistics don’t mean we should stay home,” Steve says.
“We just need to understand the risks we face as motorcyclists, and apply some basic risk strategies before we ride out.”
NSW Motorcycle Council rider advice
Ride to conditions: More than any other road user, motorcyclists are vulnerable to road conditions. If it doesn’t feel safe to continue, then stop and wait until conditions improve. You are the best judge. Toughing it out generally is an indicator of subjecting yourself to additional risk.
Risk assessment: The best road riders are risk managers. Take your own risk assessment before you go out for a ride. How much experience have I had with the type of riding I am about to start? Am I totally comfortable on the motorcycle I am riding? How fit am I? is the motorcycle well serviced and ready to go? If you have any doubts about your ability, readiness or fitness, its probably a good idea to stay home and polish the beast! There will be plenty of other opportunities to ride.
Training and experience: There are plenty of rider training schools offering skills development and refresher courses. If you can’t get to a course, spend some time on the Rider Risk video series on YouTube for riding and survival tips.
Rest every couple of hours: Plan your ride. On your way there will be some great places to stop and rest, and enjoy the local hospitality and scenery. Taking a regular break will keep you fresh and alert.
Don’t drink and ride: This is one of the easiest strategies we can implement to survive.
Speeding: It’s not the speed that is the problem, it’s what happens when a speeding rider has to cope with either changing road conditions or the random act of another motorist. Trees, guardrails, other moving objects, slippery road markings, gravel and potholes are not your friends when you come off a speeding motorcycle. Leave it for the racetrack.
Wear the best gear available: Research indicates that wearing the best protective gear available leads to a much better chance of survival. Why? Comfort and protection. If in doubt, refer to the testing results on the MotoCAP website and the MCCNSW Helmet videos.
It’s been a horror start to the year for motorcycle fatalities in Victoria with 12 riders now dead after two more crashes today(Sunday, February 10, 2019).
Latrobe Highway Patrol officers are appealing for a witness to come forward after a fatal motorcycle collision in Mirboo North this morning.
Police are also investigating a motorcycle crash that claimed the life of a man in Buckland this afternoon.
First fatality
In the first incident, police believed a motorcycle was travelling north-east on the Strzelecki Highway when it collided with the rear of a red Mitsubishi sedan waiting to turn into Darlimurla Road about 10.50am.
The driver of the Mitsubishi was not injured and stopped to assist at the scene.
It is believed the motorcycle then collided with a white Toyota 4WD which was travelling in the opposite direction.
The female driver and her male passenger were not injured and also assisted at the scene.
The male rider, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision and are hoping to speak to a man who stopped at the scene and was driving a white 4WD northbound on Strzelecki Highway.
The Strzelecki Highway was expected to remain closed between Mirboo North and Thorpdale for some time.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or who has dash cam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Second fatality
In the second of the rider fatalities, police say the motorcycle was travelling along Buckland Valley Road when the rider left the road and crashed into an embankment about 1pm.
The rider, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene.
Anyone with dash-cam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased riders.
