Biker down in Opotiki (16 June)

[90s]

See: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/...ectid=10446119

Motorcyclist killed in Opotiki
9:43AM Saturday June 16, 2007
A 39-year-old man died last night after being thrown from his motorcycle in the eastern Bay of Plenty town of Opotiki.
Police said the man was riding the bike when he hit a raised traffic island in the town at about midnight last night.
The riderless bike then hit a pedestrian who suffered serious injuries.
The motorcyclist died while being attended at the scene by paramedics.
Police believe speed and alcohol may have been factors in the crash.
The man's name has not yet been released.
The pedestrian, a 16-year-old Opotiki woman, received head and spinal injuries and was flown to Whakatane Hospital by the Tauranga-based TrustPower TECT rescue helicopter.
Her condition is described as moderate.

[tri boy]

Caring thoughts going out to those involved/related.

[Toaster]

I feel sorry for the pedestrian injured. I hope she makes a full recovery.

If the facts are correct as presented, it's a shame the guy didn't live long enough to see the damage he caused that poor girl.

[quickbuck]

I feel sorry for the pedestrian injured. I hope she makes a full recovery.

If the facts are correct as presented, it's a shame the guy didn't live long enough to see the damage he caused that poor girl.

With you 100% on that one!

[deanohit]

If the facts are correct as presented, it's a shame the guy didn't live long enough to see the damage he caused that poor girl.

I think this is a good reminder again not to drink and ride. It will always affect other people,in this case an innocent girl who was crossing the road. You'd think people would learn when things like this happen but I guess this is just wishful thinking

[MyGSXF:Me]

How bout giving this case a chance for THE FACTS to be released.. before the speculation & shit slinging happen aye..

[90s]

How bout giving this case a chance for THE FACTS to be released.. before the speculation & shit slinging happen aye..

This will an interesting one to find more facts about as it reflects on us all.
I'm sure we all feel for the innocent victim (as it seems) at this stage though.

[Edbear]

How bout giving this case a chance for THE FACTS to be released.. before the speculation & shit slinging happen aye..

"You must spread..." Darn it I thought I'd been spreading a lot lately!

I agree, though, we do tend to jump to confusions too readily. There was another accident a little while back where it appeared the rider was DUI but turned out he wasn't.

The news media are more interested in ratings than facts and at 39 you'd naturally expect the rider to be a bit more responsible. The Police have apparently only said they are not sure if speed and alcohol were factors and are investigating. Again, a normal process they go through.

If he was drunk and speeding, we can all jump up and down about it but I'll wait a bit and see what comes out.

[Patrick]

How bout giving this case a chance for THE FACTS to be released.. before the speculation & shit slinging happen aye..

BUT... BUT... this is KB!!!... its what is done on here!!!

[Macktheknife]

Thoughts with the pedestrian, hope they are ok.

[Deviant Esq]

Pity. RIP biker. Get well soon young lady, comiserations for being at the wrong place at that time. Thoughts for the families caught up with this accident.

I hope it wasn't the influence of alcohol that caused this crash. New Zealand's attitude to having a few and then riding / driving afterwards really needs to change. Legislation won't change it, it's a mindset, a "she'll be right mate" attitude.

[MyGSXF:Me]

I agree, though, we do tend to jump to confusions too readily. There was another accident a little while back where it appeared the rider was DUI but turned out he wasn't.The news media are more interested in ratings than facts and at 39 you'd naturally expect the rider to be a bit more responsible. The Police have apparently only said they are not sure if speed and alcohol were factors and are investigating. Again, a normal process they go through.If he was drunk and speeding, we can all jump up and down about it but I'll wait a bit and see what comes out.

Exxaccery Edbear!!!!

Whatever the findings however.. there is a family in deep pain at the loss of their son/father/brother/husband etc.. & their lives will never be the same.. regardless of the facts. my thoughts go out to them

And I dearly hope the girl who was hit, pulls through quickly & suffers no long term damage! Best wishes to her & her family!

Jen

[Patrick]

Police believe speed and alcohol may have been factors in the crash.

It is typical Police Speak to the media...

Interpreted, it means, "he was pissed while speeding when he crashed into the raised island and took out that innocent pedestrian..."

But, they say it this way because the serious crash investigation result and the blood alcohol result is not in yet, so...........

[Crasherfromwayback]

.
Police said the man was riding the bike when he hit a raised traffic island in the town at about midnight last night.
The riderless bike then hit a pedestrian who suffered serious injuries.
The motorcyclist died while being attended at the scene by paramedics.
Police believe speed and alcohol may have been factors in the crash.
.

How bout giving this case a chance for THE FACTS to be released.. before the speculation & shit slinging happen aye..

The police don't tend to make statements regarding alcohol in crashes unless it's pretty well informed. That's a PR disaster they can ill afford.

It's a shame to hear of anyone losing their life in the blink of an eyelid....pissed? Maybe. Not cool. Severely injuring someone else at the same time? Far worse.

We've all made 'errors of judgement' and 'bad decisions'........my thoughts are with the riders family (hell, they don't need this), and of course, the pedestrian and her family.
Comes as a rather brutal reminder to all of us that've made such 'decisions' in the past and got away with it.
Think of this post next time you've had a few.....then get a taxi.

[Nasty]

Our thoughts are for all involved in the slightest way ... for both families and for those who are left behind to deal with the results ... RIP biker ... and heal well pedestrian .. our thoughts are most with you as you go through this trying time for just being in the wrong place at the wrong time ....