A motorcyclist has died after a crash involving a B-double on the Snowy Mountains Highway near Kiandra, about 90km north of Cooma, about 11.15am today, Saturday 30 March.
NSW Police Highway Patrol officers are urgently reminding motorcyclists to take extra care on the State’s roads after a second rider died this morning.
An investigation is now underway by officers attached to Monaro Police District following the crash involving a B-double which closed the Snowy Mountains Highway shortly after 11am today, Saturday 30 March.
The rider, a man in his 50s from the NSW Central Coast, died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified.
Officers attached to Monaro Police District took the male driver of the truck to Cooma Hospital for mandatory testing.
Today’s fatality comes fewer than two days after a 20-year-old rider died when he hit a power pole in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs on Thursday 28 March.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden, said the long weekend’s stunning autumnal weather is guaranteed to encourage motorcyclists onto the roads.
“Being a motorcyclist makes you uniquely vulnerable if something goes wrong while riding,” Assistant Commissioner McFadden said.
“In a car, SUV, or truck you have layers of protection motorcyclists do not and – as a rider – you need to be hyper-aware of your choices of riding behaviour, as well as the actions of all other motorists in your vicinity.
“Riders are also at a much higher risk from a single moment’s misjudgement, and the consequences – as we have seen – may be irreversible.
“NSW is experiencing fantastic autumn weather and we know hundreds of riders will take advantage of the beautiful conditions and get out on the roads.
“I urge every rider to be prepared for all eventualities: wear the right protective gear – the wearing of a helmet is non-negotiable – ride to the conditions, don’t speed, and don’t take unnecessary risks.
“I also urge all motorists to be motorcycle-aware and watch out this Easter for heavier-than-usual motorcycle activity; check your mirrors, check before merging or changing lanes, keep your distance, and give way when obliged.
“The road is there to share,” Assistant Commissioner McFadden said.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. Police remind the public not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
