Tag Archives: crash

Motorcycle News, News

Concerns over unlicensed rider crashes

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Two recent incidents of 14-year-old boys stealing and crashing a motorcycle and scooter have again raised the issue of unlicensed riders adding to the motorcycle crash statistics.

Queensland Police have charged a 14-year-old Manunda boy with numerous offences involving a stolen motorcycle, hitting and injuring a five-year-old boy in the street and leaving the scene of an accident.

In the other incident a 14-year-old NSW boy has appeared in Albury Court after crashing a stolen scooter and injuring himself and his 15-year-old female pillion, neither of whom was wearing a helmet.

Unlicensed rider crash statistics

According to the Monash University Accident Research Centre about 7% of all motorcycle crashes were unlicensed or under-licensed riders, meaning they were riding a bike that they were not licensed to ride.

Unlicensed riders also tend to have 25% more serious injury crashes than licensed riders, MUARC says.

These incidents add to the crash statistics used by police, politicians and safety Nazis to justify discriminatory enforcement and higher penalties against riders.

So it is important that action is taken to reduce the incidence of unlicensed or under-licensed riding.

More patrols and licence checksCops Police motorcycles witnesses emergency fatal witnesses police pursuit unlicensed

Some may believe there is little that can be done to curb the enthusiasm of young people who want to steal a bike for a joy ride or novice riders from trying a larger bike.

However, increased police patrols and licence checks would help.

Victorian Police have added 300 hours of extra shifts to patrol the state’s roads after a spate of road fatalities.

While we might find licence checks intimidatory and discriminatory police harassment, we should also consider that they are helping to reduce the number of unlicensed riders.

It may not be obvious to police that a rider is under aged, so random licence checks become necessary.

After all, some 14-year-old boys can be quite adult in size and a helmet can disguise their age, although that was not an issue in the Albury incident.

The increasing use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition by police might also have benefits in reducing unlicensed and under-licensed riding.

Growing unlicensed rider numbers

MUARC says the proportion of unlicensed riders on the road has almost doubled in the past decade.

It is no coincidence that this coincides with tougher and more expensive licensing in most states.jake Dolan racer and learner rider at AMA training road craft age unlicensed

While most riders would agree that tougher licensing and more training is vital, it seems many riders simply find it too time-consuming and expensive to obtain a motorcycle licence.

Instead, they take the risk of riding without a licence and therefore uninsured.

And because they haven’t received proper training, they are crashing!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Rider in his 20s dies after tragic collision

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A Victorian rider in his 20s has died after a tragic collision with a car that turned out in front of his motorcycle in Mont Albert, Melbourne, yesterday afternoon (3 April 2019).

Police are now appealing for witnesses or dashcam footage.

Without knowing the full details of the incident, it appears a classic case of a Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You (SMIDSY) collision.

Police say the motorcyclist was riding east along Mt Albert Rd about 5.50pm.

The brown Volkswagen Golf was travelling south on York St and turned right into Mount Albert Rd into the path of the motorcycle.

collision
Rudimentary map shows direction of vehicles

Tragic collision

The young rider received life-threatening injuries in the collision and later died in hospital.

Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

The driver of the car was uninjured and is assisting police with their enquiries.

Nunawading Highway Patrol are investigating and are keen to speak to any witnesses or anyone in the area at the time with dash-cam footage.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Lives lost

The tragic crash brings the total number of motorcyclist lives lost this year to 21 compared with 11 at the same time last year.

Last week, Victorian Police Operation Kinetic announced they would add 300 shifts over the next 10 weeks to increase patrols of the state’s roads.

The move is in response to the almost doubling of the state’s road toll.

However, Operation Kinetic feature mainly country areas such as Bendigo, Dandenong, Epping and Shepparton.

Extra patrols may not have had any impact on this incident.

The tragic collision also follows a spate of four hit-and-run crashes in Melbourne involving motorcycles and cars in the past five weeks.

Concern over motorbike hit-run crashes collision
A recent hit-run crash in Melbourne

Riders have expressed concern that drivers are not only not looking for riders, but don’t value the lives of riders.

It could be a direct result of the recent bad press about the high rate of motorcycle fatalities in the state.

Sadly there have been no arrests so far in any of these four hit-run incidents.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

NSW Police cite speed in tragic week

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NSW Police look set for a major crackdown on riders in the wake of five tragic motorcyclist deaths in the past week and a rider clocked at 193km/h in an 80 zone in north-western Sydney.

Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy of the state’s Traffic & Highway Patrol Command issued a statement saying that the motorcyclist’s behaviour is the sort that is costing lives.

“Twenty motorcyclists have died so far this year in crashes, which is seven more than the same time last year,” he says. 

“The actions of this rider could easily have added to these sad and tragic numbers on our roads.”

Sydney rider

Police allegedly detected a 27-year-old man riding a Kawasaki at 193km/h about 1am on Thursday in the 80km/h zone on Old Windsor Road, Bella Vista.

The rider was taken to Castle Hill Police Station where he was issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for the offences of drive at speed dangerous to the public, and exceeding the speed by more than 45km/h.

His licence was also suspended.

The North Kellyville man is due to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Friday 24 April 2019.

Knee-jerk reaction

Sadly it seems this incident, plus the tragic coincidence of five rider deaths in the past week could lead to a knee-jerk reaction from policer the new NSW government.

Motorcycle Council of NSW chairman Steve Pearce has warned riders that their behaviour could be “a big factor” in motorcycle crashes.

Steve Pearce siege highway combined braking ombudsman scrooge poor road repair reduce killer holiday regulations bias tragic
Steve Pearce

“In the case of motorcycle accidents, it is very hard to generalise when it comes to the cause,” he says.

“My view is rider attitude is a big factor. Attitude drives decisions. Decisions to speed, drink or use drugs before riding, wear inappropriate riding gear, this is a consequence of our decisions. 

“Car drivers make poor decisions and get away with it. Poor decisions by riders can be life or death decisions.

“I also think personal temperament is a big factor. Our emotions can quickly change decision making from cautious to aggressive, risk averse to risk taker.

“If we could train riders to monitor their temperament and attitude, I think we would see less motorcycle related trauma on our roads.

“I don’t think speed itself can be blamed, However we have to remember that the decision to speed introduces risk. Contact with roadside infrastructure and other vehicles at speed will punish you if it all goes to crap.”

Tragic deathsRoad safety crash accident motorcycle scam emergency reduce injured tragic

The five NSW rider tragedies in the past weekare:

  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • A 73-year-old rider died on Tuesday about 12.30pm. The KTM KTM rider was part of an organised ride heading south on the Lakes Way, between Smiths Lake and Bungwahl. Police say the man was negotiating a sweeping left-hand bend when his bike collided with a Toyota Hilux in the north-bound lane. Other motorcycle riders attempted to resuscitate the man, but he died at the scene. The 45-year-old male Toyota driver was tested at a nearby hospital and the motorcycle seized for mechanical testing. A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
  • About 7.30am on Wednesday a motorcyclist died after losing control and crashing near Moree. The male rider, aged 57, died at the scene. A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Our condolences to the families and friends of the riders.

Police ask anyone with information about these incidents to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

(Main image of an unknown rider: NSW Police Facebook page)

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Police action in 2 states over rider deaths

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Police in NSW and Victoria have launched special operations in response to a rapid escalation in rider deaths so far this year.

The NSW action comes after the deaths of three riders in as many days.

Meanwhile, Victorian Police Operation Kinetic will add 300 shifts over the next 10 weeks to increase patrols of the state’s roads follows a doubling of motorcycle fatalities this year.

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 Motorcycle Council of NSW treasurer texting distracted sentence siege rider deaths
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 deaths
    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.

https://www.motocap.com.au/

http://www.mccofnsw.org.au/a/402.html

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Extra police hours for more patrols

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Victorian Police will work an extra 300 shifts over the next 10 weeks to increase patrols of the state’s roads after a tragic start to the year.

So far this year there have been 76 lives lost on Victorian roads compared with 51 at the same time last year.

That includes 20 riders, double the number from 2018.

The five-year rider fatality average is nine, according to figures from the Transport Accident Commission which is funding the extra police patrols.

Consequently, motorcyclists rate a specific mention in the Victoria Police media release about the extra patrols which they call Operation Kinetic.

In the latest rider fatality, a Harley-Davidson rider was found dead on Sunday morning (24 March 2019) by a passer-by on Gumley Rd, Mt Mercer.

Police are yet to determine the cause of death and are investigating.

Patrols for bad behaviour

Road Policing Command say Operation Kinetic focuses on addressing bad behaviour of our road users.

That includes drink and drug driving, high speed on rural roads, “as well as motorcyclist, pedestrian and cyclist safety”.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Taylor says “different regions are battling different issues that drive up their road trauma”.

Operation Kinetic will feature priority areas including Bendigo, Dandenong, Epping and Shepparton.

radio jock calls fr rider ban on highway long weekend patrols
Rider fatality on Melbourne’s Monash Freeway last month

“Local police will look at problematic locations and particular patterns in bad driver behaviour and target accordingly,” he says.

“This gives us our best chance to influence drivers across the whole state.”

“We see first-hand time and time again the devastation experienced by the victims’ families, as well as our first responders directly because of road trauma.

“Enough is enough and action needs to be taken. Every time a motorist sees police on the road it is a reminder to follow the roads rules.

“We have seen increased motorist compliance from road rule enforcement, so we will have additional police in the community to make this happen.

“The community can’t continue with their current driving habits as it is ultimately killing friends, family, and loved ones.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Police bias in motorcycle crash probe

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A driver who crossed double white lines and killed a teenage motorcyclist was charged with a traffic offence rather than manslaughter in an investigation marred by police bias.

A Northern Territory Coronial Inquest has been told police took five weeks to interview the female driver of the Subaru wagon that hit 16-year-old Xavier Lengyal’s bike just 200m from his home.

Xavier’s family told the Coronial Inquest that police treated the crash investigation as their son’s fault.

“Our family was left feeling like idiots and completely unjustified with the impression of guilt, due to being pushed away and the sense of Xavier’s investigation being swept under the rug,” Xavier’s father, Asher Lengyal, said.

Police bias in bike crash probe
Image supplied

Senior police admitted bias in the investigation in which they also took “an inordinate amount of time” to take witness statements.

NT Police only charged the driver with crossing double white lines rather than unintentional vehicular manslaughter.

Police bias in bike crash probe
Crash scene with Subaru on the wrong side of the road (Image: Nine News)

The former is a traffic offence that carries a $263 fine and two demerit points in the NT while the latter can result in up to six months’ jail.

Police say there is a flaw in NT law preventing driver Maxine Holden from being charged with anything further at the time.

Bias of rider guilty

Motorcycle Council of NSW chairman Steve Pearce fears that police bias against riders could be more widespread than just the NT Police.

“It’s almost like the reversal of the law of natural justice; that riders are guilty until proven innocent,” he says.

He and other rider representatives have previously criticised police for assigning blame to riders when commenting to media after a crash.

“I think there is a view that riders are more likely to be at fault in accidents involving motorcycles and that speed is the common factor,” Steve says.

“We see this in single-vehicle accidents involving a motorcycle, where the rider is automatically deemed to be at fault.

“This ignores factors such as road condition, line markings, recent roadworks, lack of signage.”

Steve Pearce siege highway combined braking ombudsman scrooge poor road repair reduce killer holiday regulations bias
Steve Pearce

Call for specialised training

Steve says police crash teams need specialised training in determining the cause of motorcycle accidents.

NT Assistant Commissioner Narelle Beer told the coronial inquest they had since made “major changes” to their Major Crash unit.

They include a joint management team and a superintendent dedicated to overseeing Major Crash.

Steve says speed is often cited as the biggest killer on our roads because of a lack of expertise among police accident investigators.

“Are investigators using speed as a catch-all reason for motorcycle accidents?” he asks.

Police accident investigators are also in a conflict of interest as they are responsible for prosecuting motorists.

“Therefore, they are only looking for offences committed, not the cause of the crash,” he says.

“We need to look for world’s best practice in this area.”

There is concern that police and media jumping to conclusions and blaming motorcyclists for crashes could lead to viewing riders not as vulnerable road users, but as “temporary Australians” with a death wish.

Rider representatives suspect a spate of four hit-run incidents in the past three weeks in Melbourne could be the direct result of recent bad press about the high rate of motorcycle fatalities in the state, currently at 20.

Accident statistics

Police bias in bike crash probe
Xavier’s crashed bike (Image Nine News)

Based on police accident investigations, most Australian statistics seem to show that speed is the biggest killer.

For example, the NSW Motorcycle Safety Action Plan 2017-2019 says “inappropriate speed” is a contributing factor in 54% of motorcycle fatal crashes and 28% of motorcycle serious injury crashes.

It’s more likely less than 10% based on two significant studies in the UK and USA.

The British Transport Laboratory found that less than 8% of all road crashes were caused by exceeding speed limits and the 2005 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s long-term Naturalistic Driving Study said it was just 7%.

Both studies found driver inattention was the biggest killer. The US study said it was as high as 80%, yet NSW road authorities say it is only 25%, based on inadequate police crash investigations.

It is significant that an Austroads 2015 Motorcycle In-Depth Crash Study report found that slippery substances on the road account for 13% of single-vehicle crashes.

That’s almost double the figure the US study said was due to speed.

Steve says speed is too often cited as the biggest cause of single motorcycle accidents when there are plenty of other factors involved.

“Other factors unique to motorcycling such as the impact of road conditions, weather, bike setup, rider experience, rider familiarity with their motorcycle, rider fatigue are too often ignored,” he says.

“If we took crash investigation to the next level, we would be better equipped to determine what factors to employ to educate riders and reduce injuries.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Police seeking witnesses to Honda crash

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Queensland Police are seeking witnesses after a motorcycle rider received serious injuries from a collision with a car yesterday evening (19 March 2019).

The incident happened about 5 pm at the intersection of Creekside Boulevarde and Snapdragon Street, Currimundi.

They say the rider was heading north along Creekside Boulevard when the bike collided with a white Ford Maverick station wagon.

The injured rider was transported to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital for medical treatment.

Police could not release any details about the ride or his condition, nor about the driver.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.

If you saw either vehicle in the area last evening, contact Policelink online on 131 444.

You can also report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Spate of motorbike hit-run crashes

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A spate of hit-run crashes involving drivers speeding off after crashing into motorcycles seems to have hit Victoria.

The latest two hit-run crashes were in Brunswick yesterday (19 March 2019) and St Kilda West on Monday.

A rider was also injured in a hit-run on Footscray Rd on February 28 and another rider was injured in Laverton North on March 7.

Spate of concern

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 the state, currently at 20.

Sadly there have been no arrests so far in any of these four hit-run incidents.

Anyone with information about any of these incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Brunswick hit-run

In the Brunswick incident, a woman driving an unregistered dark green Ford Falcon station wagon callously sped away from the scene.

The incident occurred at 3.30pm on yesterday (19 March 2019) at the corner of Sydney Rd and Cozens St.

The 31-year-old Mickelham man was treated at paramedics at the scene, before being taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with minor injuries.

He was later released from hospital.

No arrests have been made at this stage and the investigation is ongoing.

In CCT video, the driver turns across in front of the rider, hitting the bike, then stopping momentarily before driving off.

Concern over motorbike hit-run crashes
The driver stops and looks at the injured rider before driving off

The female driver is described as Caucasian in appearance, wearing purple sunglasses, with a medium build and aged in her mid-20s.

St Kilda West hit-run

A KTM rider has suffered serious injuries in a hit-run incident in St Kilda West on Monday night.

Police have been told the rider was travelling south-east along Park Street about 6pm.

A white sedan was parked on Park St near the intersection of Mary St when the car pulled out of the parking spot and hit the motorcycle.

The rider was thrown from the motorcycle and the white sedan fled the scene, west along Park Street.

The male rider, a 20-year-old Hampton man, received serious leg injuries and was taken to hospital.

St Kilda police are investigating and are keen to speak to any witnesses or anyone in the area at the time with dash-cam footage.

Do you believe this spate of hit-run crashes is due to a lack of driver concern for motorcyclists? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Suzuki Motorcycle patent radar reflector

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Suzuki Motorcycles have developed a radar reflector, not to detect or jam a police speed radar, but to make motorcycles easier for hi-tech cars to detect them.

In fact, the radar reflector could make motorcycles easier for police to detect with radar guns!

Suzuki have filed a patent in Japan for the radar reflector.

There is no word yet from Suzuki about whether they will make or fit the reflectors to their motorcycles.

The reflectors would react with various automotive collision avoidance systems such as blind spot alert, as well as the coming wave of autonomous vehicles.

Suzuki patents radar reflector
Drawing from Suzuki’s patent application

Radar reflector

The Suzuki patent might help address the valid concern that autonomous vehicles and various collision avoidance systems have difficulty detecting vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.

While cyclists and pedestrians may not be able to carry radar reflectors, they could easily be included on a motorcycle.

But it’s yet another piece of technology that creates extra expense and puts the emphasis on motorists trusting technology rather than their own crash-avoidance skills.

BMW, KTM and Ducati are also working on various systems that communicate with other vehicles on the road to provide crash avoidance alerts.

Bosch radar warns riders of traffic autonomous 5g reflector
Bosch radar warns riders of traffic

This is a first step toward motorcycles that take over from the rider in emergency situations such as automatic emergency braking.

And once the systems are developed, the next step is for legislators to make them mandatory.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Woman charged over bike cop crash

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A 70-year-old female driver has been charged over hitting a NSW police motorcyclist who had stopped to pull over another car.

The crash occurred despite a new rule requiring motorists to slow to 40km/h when passing stationary or slow-moving emergency vehicles.

However, instead of charging the woman under the new rule, she was charged with negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm injury – first offence – and will appear in Macksville Local Court on 23 May 2019.

A police media spokesperson says the driver was charged with “the most appropriate offence as a result of the investigation”.

“Suffice to say the offence she has been charged with is much more serious than the (new rule) which is generally just a ticket.

The offence of not slowing to 40km/h attracts a fine of $448 and three demerit points.

The incident occurred at Warrell Creek near Nambucca Heads, NSW, on December 30 2018 when the officer pulled over a car and was hit by another car.Cop injured under new speed rule crash police emergency 40km/h charged

Only a matter of time

Motorcycle Council of NSW Chairman Steve Pearce had told us when the new rule came in that it was “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.”

NSW 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.

Victoria and Western Australia have the same rule while in South Australia traffic has to slow to 25km/h speed.

However, the Queensland Government has rejected Police Union calls for a similar road rule and 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.Cop injured under new speed rule crash police emergency 40km/h charged

The major concern with the rule 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 suffered a broken right leg.

Tips on emergency ruleRoad safety crash accident motorcycle scam emergency reduce injured charged

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 is being trialled in NSW until August 31, 2019, before all authorities concerned decide whether to make the law permanent.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com