Police are urging riders use more caution after three fatal motorcycle crashes in as many days on NSW roads.
Three deaths recorded across the weekend include:
- 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 23 March 2019, 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 22 March 2019, 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; however, the 50-year-old rider died at the scene.
Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy of the state's Traffic & Highway Patrol Command said three motorcyclist deaths in three days should serve as a warning to all riders on NSW roads.
"As a motorcycle rider myself, to have three riders lose their lives should act as a warning as to just what can go wrong," Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
"All NSW road users have an obligation to look out for each other, particularly on wet roads.
"Speed, fatigue, drink or drug driving, not wearing a seat belt or proper helmet, driving or riding while distracted are all the leading causes of serious injury and fatal crashes on our roads, however, these are all causes that can be prevented," Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
Police also prosecuted dangerous riders across the weekend in an effort to reduce the risks that some pose on our roads.
- About 12:20pm on Sunday 24 March, 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 24 March 2019, officers attached to 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 the offence of motor vehicle exceed speed above 45km/h, and his licence was suspended.
- About 11:20am on Saturday 23 March 2019, 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 the purpose of a blood/urine analysis at hospital, and also issued an infringement notice for exceeding the speed limit over 45km/h, fined $2345, his licence was suspended for 6 months, and his registration for three months.
Assistant Commissioner Corboy said the recent fatalities add to a concerning total for 2019.
"With 18 motorcycle riders losing their lives so far this year – six more from this time last year – drivers and riders alike need to make sure that they are doing the right thing and sharing our roads safely.
"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," Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
The state's road toll currently stands at 98, 10 more than this time last year.
