Motorbike fatalities in South Australia soar by 240 per cent and police fear the toll could go higher
THE number of motorcyclists killed on SA roads has risen more than 240 per cent this year and police worry that could balloon further as the weather warms up.
THE number of motorcyclists killed on SA roads has risen 240 per cent this year and police worry that could balloon further as the weather warms up.
Seventeen riders have died, compared to five at the same time in 2016, and seven the previous year.
A 21-year-old Salisbury North man, who was riding with two other people, crashed his dirt bike into a post and tree in the Riverland on Thursday night. He died at the scene.
It was the second death involving a motorbike this week.
A 58-year-old was killed in a collision with a 4WD on the South-Eastern Freeway near Murray Bridge on Tuesday.
Police believe each death this year was preventable.
Superintendent Anthony Fioravanti, Officer in Charge of Traffic Support Branch, said two main factors contributed to the grim toll.
“One that keeps popping up is speed and another is inattention,” he told The Advertiser.
“All of (the deaths) could have been prevented and the reason for them is because someone has made an error. In some cases, it has been the motorcycle rider, other times it has been other road users.
“(But) the biggest impact is when police have to knock on someone’s door and tell them one of their loved ones died.”
As warmer weather entices more riders out, SA Motorcycle Riders Association road safety officer Ebi Lux has made an appeal: “Make sure your bike has had a service recently. Check your tyres. Check your chain and your brakes, make sure they’re working effectively.”
Besides wearing a helmet, leathers, boots and gloves, Mr Lux said riders must make sure they are in the “right headspace” before hitting the road.
Police are preparing to launch their annual Safe Hills operation from early next month. Covert cameras will be deployed around the Adelaide Hills to catch reckless riders.
