74 motorcycle incidents prompt safety warning- 05/05/17
With more than 70 road incidents involving motorcyclists on NSW roads in the past eight days
including a fatality at Granville yesterday, NSW Ambulance paramedics are stressing safety between
road users.
A snapshot of figures shows there were 74 incidents - 31 in the Sydney metropolitan area, 23 in the
state’s north, 15 in the south and five in the west.
This included an incident yesterday when two trucks and a motorcycle collided at Granville just after
10am, resulting in the death of a 41-year-old male rider.
Chief Inspector Brian Parsell said it is important drivers and riders look out for each other by obeying
the road rules. This includes awareness of lane filtering laws which permit motorcycle riders to move
alongside vehicles that have either stopped or are moving at less than 30km/h.
“These figures are alarming to paramedics who attend such incidents all too frequently and know the
trauma it causes for patients and their loved ones,” Chief Inspector Parsell said.
“Motorists should always check twice for motorcyclists, ensuring they are not approaching or are in a
blind spot.
“Conversely, motorcyclists can maximise their safety by negotiating both the roads and other vehicles
with care.”
Chief Inspector Parsell said with data showing many motorcyclists had come off their bikes without the
involvement of other vehicles, riders should minimise the risks by riding to conditions and with safety,
particularly with regards to speed and negotiating bends.
“Riders should also ride to their ability - be aware of your motorcycle’s capabilities – if you are riding a
more powerful bike than usual, start out slow.”
Protection is important, with Australian Standard-approved helmets and riding gear imperative. So too
is courtesy.
“All motorists should be considerate of each other and appreciate the constraints faced by each; that
riders are vulnerable to larger vehicles and that drivers will not always see riders who are weaving
through traffic.
“For safety’s sake, motorists should proceed with the expectation that not everyone is going to obey
the road rules.”
Stay Safe out there Peoples
