Another lost biker

**duckman** · 10th February 2004, 12:13

Today we lost another rider.....

A man is dead after his motorcycle collided with a truck near Otorohanga, 59km south of Hamilton, yesterday afternoon.

Senior sergeant Rob Van Kalken of the Otorohanga police said it appeared the motorcyclist, aged in his 50s, crossed the centre line and collided with a large articulated truck on State Highway 3, just south of Otorohanga, about 3pm.

The motorcyclist, whose name has not yet been released, died at the scene. The truck driver was not injured.

Traffic was diverted for three hours from SH3 between Otorohanga and Te Kuiti via the Old Te Kuiti Road.

**jrandom** · 10th February 2004, 12:21

Originally Posted by duckman

Today we lost another rider

No, *we* didn't. His family and friends did, though.

He hit a truck head-on after crossing the centerline, presumably after failing to take a left-hand corner. Another tragic reminder that riding within one's limits is a rather good idea, and that it's not just young fools that are guilty of putting themselves at risk.

**Slingshot** · 10th February 2004, 12:40

Originally Posted by jrandom

No, *we* didn't. His family and friends did, though.

He hit a truck head-on after crossing the centerline, presumably after failing to take a left-hand corner. Another tragic reminder that riding within one's limits is a rather good idea, and that it's not just young fools that are guilty of putting themselves at risk.

You're making an assumption there. Anything could have happened for him to cross the centre line, lets reserve judgement until more information is realised. I'm not trying to flame you but I just think we should show our respect for this rider by not judging him until we have more info.

**duckman** · 10th February 2004, 12:42

Agreed.

**MikeL** · 10th February 2004, 12:44

But on a slightly more positive note, this is the first motorcyclist fatality this year that I am aware of (corrrect me if I'm wrong) - and there must be a lot more bikes on the road at this time of year than the average for the year.
I noticed one of those signs about looking out for bikes as I came off the southern motorway a couple of days ago - they must have some effect.
But of course it wouldn't have helped the guy in Otorohanga. Presumably his fault, but at least he didn't take anyone else out.

**James Deuce** · 10th February 2004, 13:21

Sad for him and his family.

I always get a twinge at how bike accidents are reported:

"A man is dead after his motorcycle collided with a truck near Otorohanga, 59km south of Hamilton, yesterday afternoon. "

How come the other vehicle never collides with the motorcycle?

They even get reported this way when the other vehicle crosses the centreline and hits the motorcycle. What's up with that?

Jim2

**bungbung** · 10th February 2004, 13:25

It's not just motorbike accidents, road accidents in general -
"the vehicle failed to take the bend",
"the vehicle lost control".

I think it is worded so as not to imply any fault until facts are known. Of course, when we read these statements, we insert the appropriate terms.

**matthewt** · 10th February 2004, 13:27

Originally Posted by Jim2

How come the other vehicle never collides with the motorcycle?

Because in this case the M/C crossed the line, if the truck had then it would of *hopefully* read the other way around.

**jrandom** · 10th February 2004, 13:40

Originally Posted by Slingshot

You're making an assumption there.

Yes, yes, I know. I thought about that after I posted it, but there you go... the whole 'crossed the centerline' thing *does* sound like it was the rider's fault, but then again, he could have swerved to avoid a cow, or lowsided across the other lane after losing the front on a diesel spill, or who knows what.

Poor bastard.

**James Deuce** · 10th February 2004, 13:51

Originally Posted by matthewt

Because in this case the M/C crossed the line, if the truck had then it would of *hopefully* read the other way around.

That's my point though - it NEVER does when there is a motorcycle is involved.

My "big" one was reported as a motorcycle colliding with a car, even though the bugger ran me over. Technically a car colliding with motorcycle and rider.

**Jackrat** · 10th February 2004, 15:00

Originally Posted by MikeL

But on a slightly more positive note, this is the first motorcyclist fatality this year that I am aware of (corrrect me if I'm wrong) - and there must be a lot more bikes on the road at this time of year than the average for the year.
I noticed one of those signs about looking out for bikes as I came off the southern motorway a couple of days ago - they must have some effect.
But of course it wouldn't have helped the guy in Otorohanga. Presumably his fault, but at least he didn't take anyone else out.

Sorry mate,3 so far.
Teen in Te Awamutu last week and Kid on trail bike, on road to a ski feild somewhere.Sounded like the kid was run off the road by a car.
Or as the police reported it,Ran off road atempting to avoid on coming car.
What ever another wasted life.
RIP

**Hitcher** · 10th February 2004, 15:14

I just hope he was having a great time, felt no pain and died with a smile on his face.

**Ur Most Wanted** · 11th February 2004, 10:42

A teen in Te awamutu?
any one got the paper report for that?
Just curious, live in the area.
Cheers
Kerran

**georgedubyabush** · 11th February 2004, 11:34

Originally Posted by Ur Most Wanted

A teen in Te awamutu?
any one got the paper report for that?
Just curious, live in the area.
Cheers
Kerran

Might not be in your local. We had a couple of teens bunking school take themselves and another car out up here last year, nothing in the local rag but my brother read it in the ODT. Why? beats me???