19Yr Old Motorbike Rider Killed

[andz]

Feel for the lad's family.

+1

Not good news for skyline owners with these recent incidents

[Matty Sherlock]

After hearing about this incident on the radio this morning I was alarmed that 2 fatalities have occured in two weeks within a kilometre radius of my daily commute to work.

Only after reading on SAU I thought to myself, "If the police are looking for a silver skyline, my drive home from work will be interesting". Suddenly, upon reading the location details and cause of the crash, I was instantly convinced that I was responsible. (After much emotion and reading this thread over about 20 times, I confirmed to myself the crash scene was not part of my travel.)

The feeling in my heart was something I had never felt before, and don't ever want to feel again. I was jumping to conclusions but I was convincing myself that my actions on the road may have been the cause of this.

During my travel this morning, I enjoyed a friendly wave from a truck driver whom I politely changed lanes temporarily for upon his entry to the main road.

I can say that I am completely innocent of this, but given the strangely cohesive circumstances, that I was driving within a kilometre of where the crash was stated to have taken place, my car matched the (very brief) description, at the relevant time, today I thought I had caused a death on our roads.

I had to deal with the onset emotions involved whilst operating a crane lifting objects weighing up to 13 ton, which requires much more skill, concentration and common sense that driving a car.

If anyone actually reads this the whole way through, please excuse how irrational it may seem, but this should just never happen and my feelings on the subject pale in comparison to those known to the victim, and the absolute dread of the driver at fault. On my travel home from Cross Keys to Flinders Park, I performed 3 lane changes and did not exceed 55 km/h. I genuinely did not feel safe on the road.

To add insult to injury, a friend of mine knew and rode with the deceased. I can honestly say to myself that today's tragedy has changed me as a driver.

I give my condolences to all friends and family of Josh and hope that everyone can learn something from his death. I did.

[Luciano]

Having read the news, it's pretty unlikely; but I think until real facts are determined (do such things exist in media reports though... ) it shouldn't be overlooked that the motorcyclist could have also been at fault.

either way it is a very unfortunate accident

Some of the daredevil riding you come across from some motorcyclists on the street is just not on! A minority ride like they have a death wish... If not speeding, WOT sling-shotting to 60kph with their front wheels facing the clouds, skimming past traffic in between lanes... you all know the antics I'm talking about. Putting their own lives at risk x1000% compared to an idiot on four wheels surrounded with a metal shell!

[SLED]

"According to SA Law for the charge of Causing Death by Dangerous Driving, Penalties for this offence are very harsh and even a first offence can carry a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment. If the offence is found to be an aggravated offence* it can carry a term of life imprisonment. The penalty for this offence will also involve a disqualification of at least 10 years, or possibly longer, if a court orders. Even where a death or serious harm is not caused to any person it is possible to receive a penalty of up to 5 years imprisonment and a disqualification of at least 1 year."

from some website i just googled...

-D

at the same time, perhaps the skyline driver just changed lanes innocently, and in a half-awake state the motor bike rider thought the skyline was closer than he was and swerved?

I'm thinking nothing will happen to the driver if and when they catch up with him.

Apparently there was no contact between the 2 vehicles so all you've got is one witness (that may hate Skyline drivers) that can't give a rego number and can't even recall whether it was silver or burgundy (although highway camera vision will clear that up).

Proving the guy was cut off by the Skyline will be a 1000 to 1 longshot.

Feel for the rider's family but they've got nothing at this stage unless camera footage comes out of the Skyline's behavior moments earlier.

EDIT: It's not even a "Hit and Run" technically

[heslo]

Seems this was one of my friends boyfriend. I've never met him but she's pretty cut up right now. Sad sad time for her

[NISSAN GTR]

Sorry to the family this has happened too , my mate last year was riding his motorbike along the esplanade and got run over

by a 4WD !!!!!!! both wheels straight over his chest , then fled the scene . THATS WRONG . luckily hes recovering !!!!!!

[Carbon 34]

thinks its a case of it could be ANY BRAND of car that caused the accident, Its more about driving better and safer for the conditions , rain, night time busy roads. etc...

it may have just been a "Pure accident"

just remember bikes or cars can and will be hidden in your blind spots don't assume your in the clear without confirming it .

not pointing any fingers at who was at fault, just slow down and think about how your actions might change the lives of many people. how would you feel when the phone rings and you get this news ?? a little respect for everyones safety goes a long way...

best wishes to the riders loved ones,

[RubyRS4]

Funny you mention blind spots. Thats one of the first things I like to point out to newer riders. I always position myself in the opposing lane so that I can see the driver thru his own mirror ... means he can see me.

I still recall some years ago when my brother (inexperienced) and I were riding in a group, and he was in a car's blind spot. Naturally, the car didn't see him and changed lanes. My brother sounded his horn and the car shot back to its intial lane, and my bro decided to take it further by riding next to the car and abusing them. I quickly rode up to my bro and slapped him on the back of the helmet. At the next lights, I told my brother he was in the car's blind spot and he should position himself better. Thankfully he doesn't ride anymore ... he just didn't have that alertness or skill.

Comes to my next comment:

I have a loud exhaust, and my riding manner on my sportsbike can sometimes be frowned upon, but there is method behind my madness. I'll speed up next to a car to a point where the driver is aware I am there, and thats where I'll stay until we either catch up to slower traffic, or they turn off etc. Then as I approach the next car, I'll give it some quick speed so the bike is audible and the car can visually see me. Same deal with single lane roads. If I have doubts about the car in front, or they driving like an idiot, I'll put some distance between me and him/her. Sometimes, people see this as 'typical biker hoon behaviour', but not so.

I've been riding some 22 years. Lost countless biker friends. Been in hospital numerous times myself. Built bikes, raced bikes and crashed them too. Encountered the biggest stupidity on our roads ... and generally seen it all. I ride in a manner to stay alive and continue to enjoy what I love best ... bikes.If I upset a few tin can drivers witht he way I ride ... I don't care as long as I come home to my family.

I can't sum it all up in this forum, but I've developed a repetoir of defensive riding techniques over the years that work for me. If you ride and want to learn a few things, come ride with me sometime.

[J - Rad]

Funny you mention blind spots. Thats one of the first things I like to point out to newer riders. I always position myself in the opposing lane so that I can see the driver thru his own mirror ... means he can see me.

I still recall some years ago when my brother (inexperienced) and I were riding in a group, and he was in a car's blind spot. Naturally, the car didn't see him and changed lanes. My brother sounded his horn and the car shot back to its intial lane, and my bro decided to take it further by riding next to the car and abusing them. I quickly rode up to my bro and slapped him on the back of the helmet. At the next lights, I told my brother he was in the car's blind spot and he should position himself better. Thankfully he doesn't ride anymore ... he just didn't have that alertness or skill.

Comes to my next comment:

I have a loud exhaust, and my riding manner on my sportsbike can sometimes be frowned upon, but there is method behind my madness. I'll speed up next to a car to a point where the driver is aware I am there, and thats where I'll stay until we either catch up to slower traffic, or they turn off etc. Then as I approach the next car, I'll give it some quick speed so the bike is audible and the car can visually see me. Same deal with single lane roads. If I have doubts about the car in front, or they driving like an idiot, I'll put some distance between me and him/her. Sometimes, people see this as 'typical biker hoon behaviour', but not so.

I've been riding some 22 years. Lost countless biker friends. Been in hospital numerous times myself. Built bikes, raced bikes and crashed them too. Encountered the biggest stupidity on our roads ... and generally seen it all. I ride in a manner to stay alive and continue to enjoy what I love best ... bikes.If I upset a few tin can drivers witht he way I ride ... I don't care as long as I come home to my family.

I can't sum it all up in this forum, but I've developed a repetoir of defensive riding techniques over the years that work for me. If you ride and want to learn a few things, come ride with me sometime.

Thats how my inlaws are. He has never kept a standard exhaust on any of his bikes for the simple reason that if they cannot hear you, they won't be looking out for you. He's only come off his bike twice. First time was a drunk driver running a red at a stupid speed and hit him, put his torso through the window and legs bent backwards on the roof. Then when he slammed the brakes on it flung him forward and he landed face first and dragged him for a bit. Has scars along his chin and lips from where they pretty much stitched his face back together. Makes me feel ill when he tells the story of getting a wire brush down his back to get the gravel out.

Anyways RIP to the rider, sad that someone even younger than me won't be waking up this morning with his family like I just did.

[RubyRS4]

Yeah, I've been subjected to the dreaded wire brush. Its alot better than infection. Had it done to my knee, shoulder and hip. Tip: your kneecap is not a good brake!

If you ever want to see my scars and xrays, sing out, they're kringe worthy. Or I can tell you the story about how a motorbike pinning you to the gutter shatters your shoulder ... that one took 9 months to recover from

But I consider myself lucky ... unlike some poor souls. People still wonder why I keep riding. I just love it ... always loved bikes.

[SLED]

no idea why I still ride...........prob just dumb & Stoopid!!!

[Tommy Kaira RL]

Being a rider once myself I thought it was safer to give up the bike because a few of my mates have had serious injuries. In the end a few of us would just go for Sunday morning ride in the hills. And we still managed to find a tourist driving on the opposite side of the road. Came around the corner on wrong side. I think if everyone got there bike licence they would have a better understanding of what its like to ride on the road.

I always check for bikes even reversing out of driveways. I have a good sense when there around but sometimes they still come from nowhere.

I think the younger riders are learning to many bad maners from the older ones like dashing between lanes, hitting my mirrors at the lights when they squeeze past to get to the front and monos.

[Madaz]

I'm reminded of this video and even heard on the news the other day about a saftey system getting trialed

[SLED]

Being a rider once myself I thought it was safer to give up the bike because a few of my mates have had serious injuries. In the end a few of us would just go for Sunday morning ride in the hills. And we still managed to find a tourist driving on the opposite side of the road. Came around the corner on wrong side. I think if everyone got there bike licence they would have a better understanding of what its like to ride on the road.

I always check for bikes even reversing out of driveways. I have a good sense when there around but sometimes they still come from nowhere.

I think the younger riders are learning to many bad manners from the older ones like dashing between lanes, hitting my mirrors at the lights when they squeeze past to get to the front and monos.

That's a pet hate of mine Brad (Lane Splitting)..........not to say that I've never done it, but not these days.

I've seen idiots splitting lanes at 60+kph when traffic is either stationary or at snail's pace ............If I'm stationary and I see someone "Splitting" from a distance, he doesn't get past my open door now!!

I've also found that the saying; "Loud Pipes Save Lives" is very true...........I don't get cut off anywhere near as much these days as what I did with my Suzy 1100 Ricer

Oh and Steve, good idea there bud.............should be mandatory on all new cars and trucks sold.

[Tangles]

seriously wish I could still ride.

would be so nice to get out into the hills again, in full control, and just blow my depression away.

come home smiling after a few hundred kms of twisties and all's good with the world again.

as it is at the moment all I want to do is rest in bed and see the day go past me, then the next.........etc

my thoughts go out the the young riders' family.

[pistol-pete]

lane splitting is even still legal in the states afaik

[typevu]

That's a pet hate of mine Brad (Lane Splitting)..........not to say that I've never done it, but not these days.

Is it because the SLED don't fit inbetween too easily?

[SLED]

well that's one of the reasons Vu

[Dohmar]

Is it because the SLED don't fit inbetween too easily?

heh sleds rear tyre is wider than most 4 wheel drives heh

-D

[RubyRS4]

lane splitting is even still legal in the states afaik

Just to clarify, "lane splitting" is when a motorcycle travels between lanes of moving cars, and "lane filtering" is when a motorcycle travels between lanes stationary cars (stopped at lights etc).

Now, I don't condone lane splitting (moving traffic), but sometimes I consider it necessary when two cars are driving side by side at 40kph in a 60 zone. Lane filtering (between stationary cars) is not illegal, but not entirely legal either. I had a motorcycle cop watch me do this one day and actually pulled me over to add some points on how the police (or at least him) wouldn't have a problem with it. The tip is, treat is like an overtaking manoeuvre, start in the left lane and indicate right to pass the stationary cars, by filtering between the lanes. If you reach moving traffic before you're in front, then merge back into the left lane as early and safely as possible.

But I agree, there are too many newer/inexperienced riders taking way too many risks.