Police Crackdown on Motorcyclist Road Safety

A total of 157 lives have been lost on Queensland roads in 2021 to date, 15 more than the same time last year. 41 of those were lives lost in motorbike accidents*.

In the last month, RACQ Capricorn Rescue were tasked to numerous motorbike related missions, causing concern for emergency crews responding to the scenes.

In July, Rescue300 was tasked to a severe accident on a Yeppoon road where a rider sustained serious injuries.

The patient was assessed at the scene by the on board Critical Care Paramedic and Doctor who treated them for suspected broken limbs and serious chest injuries.

They were stabilised for the short flight to Rockhampton Hospital where they received further scans and treatment.

The Queensland Police Service recently launched a three-day safety blitz as motorcyclist fatalities remained on track to exceed a five-year high.

The blitz saw an increased policing presence in high traffic areas for recreational riders with officers focused on engaging with riders about safe road habits.

Assistant Commissioner Ben Marcus said the initiative was intended to protect the most vulnerable road users who were vastly overrepresented in this year’s crash data.

“Every life lost on our roads has a devastating impact on individuals, families and friends and the community.

“When you’re on a bike, everything is bigger than you and you need to correctly interpret the riding environment to ensure you are prepared and in control.”

Analysis indicates these crashes predominately involve recreational riders, often on weekends and over half of the accidents occur at around 60 – 80km/h.

“We want to remind you that whether you’ve been riding motorcycles for 15 years or a few months, it is paramount that all riders practice the basics and know that their actions can have direct consequences.”

*As of July 30th 2021