Three Mbombela motorcyclists hospitalised after three accidents in three days
The Lowveld Motorcycle Safety Initiative has urged both motorcyclists and motorists to be aware of their surroundings in an effort to help prevent future accidents on the roads.
With three separate motorcycle accidents in three days in various areas across the City of Mbombela, the safety of bikers in the Lowveld has come under the spotlight.
While a minor 30km/h bumper bash incident between two cars normally results in a few dents and scratched paint, for a motorcyclists, it could mean a broken leg or severe head injury, according to the Lowveld Motorcycle Safety Initiative (LMSI).
The accidents, all of which occurred over the weekend, left all three bikers with injuries, and two of the patients were reportedly transferred to Netcare Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg.
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Updates on the patients’ conditions were unavailable at the time of going to press.
The first incident occurred on the KMI Airport Road (R538) on Saturday August 13. LMSI reported the incident on its Facebook page and said a rider of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle had been severely injured in a crash and was treated on scene by paramedics before being transported to Mediclinic Nelspruit.
It is understood that he was later transferred to Netcare Milpark Hospital.
On Sunday August 14, an American tourist was critically injured when he collided with a vehicle along the Kaapsehoop Road.
ER24’s Ross Campbell reported that the American rider, believed to be in his 50s, suffered critical injuries to his right leg.
He said the tourist was apparently on his second day of a bike tour through South Africa when the accident occurred.
The man was treated on the scene to stabilise his condition before being airlifted by a medical helicopter to Netcare Milpark Hospital.
In the third incident, a motorcyclist was injured in an accident on the Hilltop Pass between Mbombela and Barberton. The man was taken to a nearby hospital and was reportedly discharged soon after.
LMSI’s Johan du Plessis spoke to Lowvelder about the safety of motorcyclists in the Lowveld, the number of accidents in the past few days and how to avoid collisions on the roads between motorcycles and vehicles.
The main cause of motorcycle accidents in the Lowveld
“Each motorcycle accident is unique, as well as the circumstances that leads up to these accidents,” said Du Plessis.
“From our experience, the main causes in our area is a momentary loss or complete lack of situational awareness. When riding a motorcycle, the rider needs to be focused at all times,” he said.
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“Riding a motorcycle is inherently dangerous, and therefore constant focus and concentration are required.” Where do most motorcycle accidents occur?
“We cannot narrow the area of motorcycle accidents down, purely due to the lack of statistical information,” said Du Plessis.
However, he said LMSI has noticed that accidents occur in areas that allow for a more “spirited motorcycle riding experience”, such as straight roads and mountain passes.
“Bear in mind that motorcycle riders want to twist the throttle every now and again due to the thrill of it.”
He said this does not necessarily result in traffic regulation infringements, but does emphasise the opportunity to ride at a faster pace. However, this is again where situational awareness comes into play.
Three accidents in three days are three too many Du Plessis said even just one motorcycle accident in 30 days is too many. “No motorcycle accidents should be the aim,” he said.
“Due to the vulnerability of riders, any accident, even minor, could have devastating outcomes for the rider.”
Du Plessis said that it only takes 3Gs of impact force to suffer major head injuries.
How to prevent/avoid accidents and motorcycle crashes for motorists and motorcyclists
“Correct training is key. When a rider reaches the point where they feel that nothing else can be learnt and that no more training is needed, they should stop riding immediately. A rider should attend as much training as possible.”
He added that a biker should also be trained in what to do in emergency situations.
Du Plessis said motorists should also realise that more people are making use of motorcycles.
He said motorists should always look twice and think about motorcycle riders before changing a lane, crossing an intersection, or pulling into a roadway.
