Tag Archives: wreck

News

Airbag suit to ‘save millions’ of riders

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A patent is pending for a motorcycle seat that ejects a rider in a crash and then cocoons them in a full-length airbag suit to protect them from injury.

Brooklyn start-up Airbag for Bike has posted a digital animation of the patent-pending device, claiming it could save “millions from serious accidents and death”.

They also say it would allow “millions of new riders previously hesitant to sit on a motorcycle because of safety, to enjoy motorcycling”.

However, we’re not even sure a working prototype has been made or even tested. So far there is only this animated video for a patent drawing that is yet to be approved!

How the airbag suit works

Unlike the Honda Goldwing airbag that inflates a bean-bag-sized pillow in front of the rider, this airbag suit system is in the seat which the rider straps themselves into with a special seatbelt.

Click here for details on the mandatory recall on the Goldwing over its Takata airbag.

The idea is that the seat ejects with the rider and then deploys several full-length airbags around the rider. 

We reckon this photo of the airbag as it starts to inflate is simply rude!

Airbag suitAnd we’re not so sure we would like the explosive device that deploys the airbag this close to the family jewels!

We thought it would be hilarious if the airbags went off when you parked and got off your bike, but the patent says the airbag deploys only if the motorcycle is traveling at a certain speed.

It has various motion sensors and gyroscopes that detect a sudden deceleration or acceleration if hit from behind, or “a loss of balance that would not be correctable by a human”.

Also, the belt system “automatically unfastens in a crash that is not severe enough to warrant a system deployment (to allow the rider to jump off the bike) or if the rider tries to stand up from the bike while it is stopped”.

So it wouldn’t be of any use in racing like the airbag race suits by Dainese and Alpinestars as the belt would come undone on the first corner when the rider slipped out of the seat to get their knee down!

airbag suit
Alpinestars airbag vest

The belt would also unfasten if you stood up when riding across rough or loose surfaces.

Airbag for Bike

We contacted Airbag for Bike for more details about the inventor and whether they have made a prototype yet and intend to produce the airbags or just sell the idea.

No reply yet, but stay tuned for updates.

The problem with these sorts of inventions is that some road safety expert will agree it will reduce deaths and injuries.

Then politicians will make it mandatory!

Experts like UNSW Sydney Professor Raphael Grzebieta who won an international award for advocating wire rope barriers, lower speed limits and mandatory hi-vis vests for riders, and alcohol interlocks and electronic rider aids on bikes.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Fear of liability may prevent first aid for crashed riders

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Crash witnesses are sometimes too scared of being sued to provide first-aid or assistance to crashed riders, says paramedic Michael Beak of First Bike on the Scene Australia.

“There is a lot of misinformation about the legalities of helping a crash victim on social media,” he says.

“I put in a lot of effort to reassure people during my courses that the chances of being sued is virtually zero.”

Click here for more information on this legal issue.

First Bike on the SceneFirst Bike on the Scene Australia paramedic Michael Beak crashed

The First Bike on Scene course was originally developed by Paramedics working in the North West Ambulance Service (UK) in 2003/4. 

“Due to the nature of their work and being bikers themselves, they realised the need for a medical emergency care course appropriate to the needs of injured motorcyclists,” Michael says.

He is now offering the course in Australia and is looking for like-minded paramedics to join him.

“What’s different about First Bike on Scene is that emergency response skills are delivered by registered operational paramedics only,” he says.

“So students are taught skills that are evidence-based medicine, world’s best practice and comply with Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) Guidelines.

“Paramedics are the experts in pre-hospital emergency care. It’s what they train for, it’s what they do for the duration of their operational career.”

Paramedic background

Michael is a Mt Tamborine resident, Army Reserve medic of 10 years, Honda FVR750 rider and operational paramedic for 25 years.

He has been teaching first-aid for almost 30 years and started a first-aid training business (www.surefirefirstaid.com.au) eight years ago.

“Unfortunately, I have attended my fair share of motorcycle-related incidents,” he says.

Michael raced 250cc production and historic motorbikes in the late 1980s when he was a teenager and worked in Phil Beaumont’s motorcycle shop in Newstead, Brisbane.

“I was like a kid in a candy shop,” he says.

“I’ve crashed and broken a lot of bones in my years of riding, but when I broke my collar bone five years ago at walking pace on my Honda XR250 at a motocross park I was off work for 10 weeks and decided I needed a back-up plan.

“That’s when I decided to launch my own first-aid training centre and First Bike on the Scene is one of my specialty divisions.”

He says the courses are open to all riders and cost from $85 for the stand-alone course up to more advanced courses.

They will be launched in South East Queensland with the intention of spreading around the nation as registered paramedics are recruited.

The FBoS introductory course includes crash scene management, airway management, injury assessment, head and neck (c-spine) injury management, bleeding control, recognition of catastrophic bleeding, safe helmet removal in special circumstances, log roll and trauma CPR.

First responder tips for crashed riders

Road safety crash accident motorcycle scam crashed

Michael says the most important feature of a first-care provider is that they take charge at a crash scene. 

“Even if it’s ‘fake it until you make it’, you have to convince everyone present that you know what you are doing, be confident and, if necessary, even assertive. Then people are happy to follow,” he says.

“The other important thing is that they think about the danger of other traffic. 

“There have been untold times I’ve been at a crash and you suddenly hear the locking up of brakes.

“A couple of times people have even skidded into emergency trucks. It’s like a moth to a light when they see the flashing lights. You go where you look.”

Q&A

Michael has offered to write about some hot topics involving crash scene management and crashed rider first-aid. 

If you have any questions about how to manage a crash scene or help a crashed rider, please leave your query in the comments section below and he will respond.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Witnesses sought for two rider fatalities

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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.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Steps You Should Take If You Get into A Motorcycle Accident

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(Article contributed by West Coast Trial Lawyers, LA)

One of the best experiences that a person could possibly have is riding on a motorcycle. It offers a sense of freedom and mobility that can’t quite be matched by any other type of vehicle. Think about it, unlike with a car or a train, there isn’t really anything that’s separating you and the outside world. Motorcycles also have the advantage of being able to reach thrilling high speeds unlike other modes of transportation such as bicycles and mopeds. 

Yes, motorcycles can offer you a world of excitement, but the one thing that they have in common with other types of vehicles is that accidents do happen. As with any driver, an accident can be a terrifying and stressful situation that no one really wants to deal with. As with any kind of adverse situation, however, it is important that you know how to handle yourself if you are ever in an accident. 

Get to Safety

In the immediate aftermath of the accident, the first order of business should not be to call a motorcycle injury lawyer or accident attorney but to get yourself out the roadway and traffic so that no further harm will come to you. The most important thing at this moment is to make sure that your situation doesn’t become any worse by risking even more injury than what has probably already occurred. You can handle all of the legal matters once you’re safe and have handled everything at the scene.

Things to look out for as you are moving to safety are gas leaking vehicles, cars or other objects on fire, anything that has been damaged during the accident, and roadside drop-offs and cliffs.

Check to See If You or Anyone Else Has Been Injured

Next, you should check to see if you or the other involved party has been injured. Even if it appears that you and everyone else is fine, you should still call 911 and have them look you over anyway as certain injuries may not make themselves apparent at that moment. It is crucial that you keep in mind that just because you were the one who called the paramedics that you will not automatically be held responsible. 

Call the Local Law Enforcement to Report the Accident

This step can be considered optional in the sense that sometimes the police aren’t immediately contacted in the case of accidents (motorcycle or otherwise). Even if any issues that arise are minimal (such as minor injury and very little property damage) the police may be needed to take down details of what happened and to help decide if a motorcycle accident attorney should be contacted immediately.

Gather Information

Once you have contacted the police, they will proceed to write their police report and will be used as documentation to provide details for your case. To further ensure that you are able to properly prove your innocence in this matter and secure any potential compensation, you should gather information. This gathering of evidence should include you doing the following:

  • Speak to anyone who may have witnessed the accident which can include passengers and other drivers. Be sure to also talk to the attending law enforcement official
  • Photos of the scene (which should only be done if there is no further risk of you being injured or causing any further damage to property. Make sure that you take pictures of any surrounding street signs as well)
  • Contact information, which can be names, phone numbers or even email addresses of all witnesses
  • The VIN (vehicle identification number) of any cars that were involved
  • The badge number and name of the police officer at the scene
  • The number of the police report
  •  The name insurance company name and their contact information from all other parties involved

Gathering all of this information will really help you out in the long run when it comes time to contact your insurance provider or when speaking to a motorcycle personal injury attorney as you will be able to provide them with information to help you with your case.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Once you are able to find the time after the accident, you should contact your insurance company and tell them what happened. As stated previously, all of the information that you have collected will help your insurance provider help you to collect your compensation. 

Make sure that you have had any injuries that you may have sustained looked over by a doctor and that a mechanic has checked out your motorcycle before letting your insurer know about these issues. That way, you don’t run the risk of underestimating any compensation that you may be able to receive. 

Do Not Take Any Blame On Yourself

Under no circumstances should you claim responsibility for what happened. You should follow this advice regardless of whether you’re speaking to any law enforcement official or your insurance company. This is to avoid your claim being denied and to keep away blame for anything that wasn’t your fault.

Keep your statements limited to what happened and if you have a motorcycle accident attorney helping you-you can ask them for further assistance with handling your case.

Contact An Attorney

Up until this point, You’ve only received small nudges from this article in regards to calling a motorcycle injury lawyer. In all honesty, it really is to your benefit to contact one to secure your financial and legal future in the aftermath of the accident.

A motorcycle accident attorney will be able to assist you if you have any of the other parties involved decide to wrongly accuse you of causing the accident. If any medical complications arise that you can’t afford, you can look into a motorcycle personal injury attorney.

Do As Your Doctor Says

The final thing that you should do (if you have been injured in your accident, that is) is to follow your doctor’s directions to the letter. Not only will this help you quickly heal from your injuries but it will lessen the number of permanent damages on your body. Be sure that you follow his directions to the letter and always follow up on their instructions.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Why don’t medics rush to crashed riders?

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If you’ve ever been a witness at a motorcycle crash scene you may have noticed that medics (ambulance officers and paramedics) do not seem to be in any rush.

I was at the scene of a crash on Abercrombie Rd near Obern, NSW, and several riders were anxious and expressed concern because the first responders did not seem to be in any hurry.

Some other riders have also complained that nurses and hospital staff are sometimes flippant about injured riders who “drain their resources”. Read about the concerns of a safety expert.

It’s not because medics believe all motorcyclists have a death wish and don’t deserve immediate attention.

There are several very good reasons for the calm and almost painstakingly slow attitude of first responders at a crash scene.

Most American cop shows depict medics rushing to a crash scene, but that is not how it is in real life.Ambulance ride paramedic crash accident medics

Why medics don’t rush:

  • A rushing paramedic could trip and hurt themselves and/or break vital medical equipment;
  • It can lead to making the wrong decision in a highly stressful situation;
  • The sight of a rushing medic can create panic not only in the crash victims, but also bystanders;
  • It can cause the victim’s pulse to beat faster, expelling more blood than is necessary and leading to other conditions such as heart attack; and
  • It can cause bystanders to make rash decisions such as stepping out in front of passing traffic.

If you are ever at a motorcycle accident scene, the best advice is to stay clam, keep others calm and let the professionals do their job.

Click here to find out what you should do after a minor motorcycle crash.

Road safety crash accident motorcycle scam

First Bike on the Scene

Michael Beak from First Bike on the Scene crash scene training says he believes that if he rushes at a crash scene “people could think things are a lot worse than they may be” .

“One of our first priorities is to bring calm to chaos,” he says.

“Some of my more experienced colleagues and I even like to crack jokes with patients (where appropriate of course) and some think we are not talking it seriously,” he says.

“But personally if I were a patient and the para was cracking jokes with me it would reassure me I’m not about to die.”First Bike on the Scene Australia paramedic Michael Beak

Michael is an Army Reserve Combat Paramedic of 10 years, operational paramedic for 25 years, has been teaching first aid for almost 30 years and is a Public Information Officer with the Rural Fire Service. He’s also a VFR750F rider!

“My advice to any first-care provider is to be slow and methodical,” he says.

“I apply the old saying ‘slow is smooth and smooth is fast’. It works for riding motorcycles and it works for attending a crash scene.”

Michael says it is a common misbelief that paramedics attend traumatic cases every shift.

“So sometimes when they arrive on scene and appear to be slow off the mark, they may be just taking a breath, having a ‘mental cigarette’, taking in the scene and working out the best plan of attack before just blundering in,” he says.

“To the observer, it may appear that we are not rushing to crashed riders, but we are doing a rapid scene size-up on arrival.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Danger in lane filtering around trucks

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Lane filtering around trucks can be dangerous simply because riders can be invisible to the truck driver, even if you are right in front!

The Goldwing World Facebook page published the above photograph claiming all the bikes in the photo are in the truck’s blind spots.

It has been shared on many occasions. But notice that one of the positions where riders cannot be seen is right in front of the truck.

I have witnessed riders filter to the front of a line of traffic and then move across to sit in the lane in front of a prime mover.

The truck driver could be totally unaware of the presence of the rider.

So if the rider stalls when the lights turn green, what’s stopping the driver from running over the top of you if you happen to stall?

Or if the rider is distracted and misses the change of lights and the truckie is keen to get going … splat!

Lane filtering rulesHow to ride safely in heavy traffic lane filtering happiest commuters commuting plan trucks

Despite the dangers of trucks to lane filtering riders, only the ACT prohibits lane filtering next to buses and trucks.

There is no mention in the official lane filtering rules for Queensland, NSW, SA, Victoria or Tasmania.

However, they all suggest in their explanatory notes riders “should avoid” filtering next to buses and heavy vehicles.

It should also be noted that an overriding rule is that riders must lane filter only “when safe to do so” (or similar words).

This is mentioned in Victoria, SA, ACT, Queensland and Tasmania, but not NSW,

It not only puts the onus on the rider to act responsibly and safely, but also provides police with some latitude to fine riders based on their judgement.

Onus on trucks

While riders should always take responsibility for their own safety, there is also an onus on truck drivers and other motorists to share the road with all vehicles, including motorcycles.

London has taken it further, banning trucks (lorries) over 3.5 tonnes that do not have special extended mirrors to reduce blind spots.

Drivers with a non-complaint vehicle face a £50 Fixed Penalty Notice and potential fine of £1000 in the Magistrates Court.

Similar legislation would be most welcome here in Australia.

RACQ safety officer and Suzuki Bandit fan Steve Spalding says blind spots around large vehicles are “a very risky situation for riders”.

“If there are ways to improve the types of mirrors fitted, or have better placement of existing ones, then we’d like to see heavy vehicle operators make those changes,” he says.

“Riders have to be aware of their vulnerability at all times but particularly when in congested traffic and around large and heavy vehicles because it can be difficult for truck drivers to cover all the blind spots.”

However, the truck mirror legislation would not have helped the London rider in this video which has gone viral. He was in front of the driver!

More blind spots

One of the big problems with riding near trucks, buses and other big vehicles is that their blind sports are not the same.

Fixed vehicles such as vans and buses/coaches have different blind spots to B doubles or prime movers with trailers. There are also extra blind spots for trucks with hoods (eg Mack) rather than cab-over trucks (eg Hino) with flat fronts.

We spoke with several bus and truck drivers and they say they don’t have a lot of problems with riders, but agree that there is potential for riders to get lost in blind spots.

For fixed vehicles, the worst blind spot is close on the inside (left in RHD countries and right for LHD countries) of the vehicle. Most heavy vehicles have blind-spot mirrors, but fast-accelerating bikes can zoom into view so quickly on a slow-moving vehicle, the driver may not have had a chance to see them.

Prime movers also have the problem that when they turn, their mirrors, which are fixed to the prime mover, show only a view of the trailer on one side and a wide view on the other, creating a massive blind spot area.

For trucks with a big bonnet, almost every near position from the mirrors forward is a blind spot, especially by the inside fender.

Drivers say riders can slip into the gap in front of a truck without them seeing the bike, which could result in a rear-ender as they approach a red traffic light.

They also claim that when the lights turn green, a gap opens up in front of slow-moving trucks and riders tend to slip into that gap where they may not be seen.

trucks

Wide berth

Motorcycles need to give trucks a wide berth on all angles in all traffic situations.

And don’t hope that your loud exhaust will alert the truck driver to your presence.

Most truck cabins are loud because the driver is sitting over the engine and is probably playing music or their CB radio over the top.

They will not hear you until you have passed them.

Sucked in

Bus and truck drivers also warn about the aerodynamic effects of following and riding too close to their vehicles.

Vehicles such as buses and some trailers with carriages low to the ground tend to create a vacuum at highway speeds that can suck a light bike toward them and potentially under their wheels.

Other trailers can push riders away into oncoming traffic. Some trailers, such as those carrying vehicles, create so much turbulence it can send a light bike into a tank slapper.

The effect is worse if the rider follows too closely before overtaking as they cop a sudden blast as they draw up alongside.

Oakey truckie Brad Shannon advises: “If you can see our mirrors we should be able to see you. But I always look twice, anyway.”

Trucks
Truckie Brad Shannon

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Motorcycle officer rammed by stolen car

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“I’m down, I’m down,” a motorcycle officer calmly says into his police radio after being rammed by the driver of a stolen vehicle.

This dramatic video, released by Queensland Police, shows just how vulnerable even police motorcyclists are and the dangers they face in their duty.

Office rammed

The Sergeant, aged 50, suffered a dislocate shoulder and injuries to a rib, hand and ankle. He is recovering in hospital.

In the video, he is slowly pursuing the stolen vehicle on a rainy Wednesday night in Toowoomba when the car does a u-turn and slowly approaches the rider.

In the last 10 metres, the car revs and rams the motorcycle, knocking the cop off his bike.

“941, I’m down, I’m down. He’s run into me,” he says on the radio.

“I can’t use my left arm. Drove straight at me, I was trying to get up on the side of the road to let him go past me,” he says.

Tough job

DayGlo Queensland Police rammed

The job of a motorcycle cop is an important part of police duties, Queensland Police say.

“It differs significantly from the general perception of the motoring public,” they told us.

“The primary function is to provide a high visibility presence on the road network across Queensland, thus positively influencing driver and rider behaviour.

“Having said that a rider’s day may include a wide variety of functions, be they planned or emerging situations. QPS riders are expected to ride in all weather and road conditions.”

The video quite clearly shows “emerging situations” and riding in “all weather” conditions.

Three charged

Detectives have now charged two men and a woman after they allegedly threatened a man at his house with a knife and demanded his Ford Falcon.

About 30 minutes later, the motorcycle Police Sergeant saw the car run a red light and pursued it until he was rammed.

The Ford was later found and the woman and one of the men were arrested “without incident” after they fled the vehicle on foot.

The driver allegedly assaulted and bit a police officer while being arrested.

A 29-year-old man is in the hospital under police guard.

A 20-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman have been charged with one count each of armed robbery, burglary and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

They appeared at the Toowoomba Magistrates Court today.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Rear-ended BMW rider seeks justice

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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.

Matthew Craig's BMW R 1200 R before it was rear-ended
Impatience leads to impact!

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

Are more red light cameras welcome?

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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 lightsred light cameras

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.Red-light traffic light red light cameras

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

International report cites bike crash reasons

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The motorcycle road toll can be reduced by better speed and alcohol/drug use enforcement, safer motorbikes, mandatory helmet laws and improved roads, according to an international report.

These are key points in the latest World Health Organization Global status report on road safety 2018 report released this month. The report is only released every two or three years.

Toll rate flat

The international report also points out that the motoring fatality and injury rate has remained fairly steady as a proportion of population over the past few years.

In Australia, motorcycle crash fatalities have remained flat since 2011 despite an almost doubling of motorcycle registrations in that time. That actually means a decreasing rate of motorcycle fatalities.

international report cites motorcycle crash reasons
Australian crash stats. The flat dotted line is the trend over that time.

Of course, every death is lamentable, but the selective quoting of motorcycle crash statistics, especially during the Christmas/New Year holiday season, can be misleading.

It also serves to demonise riders as having a death wish and therefore not worthy of consideration by other road users.

International report

The WHO report says progress in reducing road fatalities and injuries has mainly been made in high-income countries.

In these countries, there is a high level of enforcement of speeding and drink driving, ABS on motorcycles (mandatory in Australia for bikes over 125cc from November 219), mandatory helmet (99% compliance in Australia) and improved roads, it says.

No doubt politicians and police will just seize on the first issue to raise speeding fines and enforcement.

But they would be ignoring the fact that this is an international report representing 175 countries. By comparison, the low-income countries included in the report (such as Afghanistan) have little to no enforcement of speed or drug/alcohol-influenced riders, no or lax helmet rules and poor roads.

The only category where Australia compares is in the standard of our roads.

Bad Roads Rally roadworks potholes Victoria report international
Crumbling Victorian roads

WHO says 67% of motorcycle travel in the world is on substandard roads. That surely must include Australia!

Over the past few years we have reported numerous cases where riders have crashed in unacceptable road conditions thanks to poor design, inferior surfacing and a lack of maintenance.

The WHO report says conditions that make a road unacceptable for motorcycle use include a poor road surface and trees too close to the road. In some states, wire rope “safety” barriers are also too close to the road!

(It also mentions separate motorcycle lanes which some Asian nations with much higher proportions of motorcycles have implemented or are considering. We doubt motorcycles will ever have separate lanes in high-income nations.)

WHO says that by 2030, all new roads should “achieve technical standards for all road users that take into account road safety” and “more than 75% of travel on existing roads is on roads that meet technical standards for all road users”.

That’s a long time to wait for appropriate roads that should have been paid for by our hard-earned taxes.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com