Coromandel Death Prompts Police Warning For Motorcyclists

Posted by Media Release: Waikato Police on 18/01/2012

Waikato Police are urging experienced riders mentoring those with less time on two wheels to let their charges take the lead following a fatal crash on a busy Coromandel highway yesterday.

District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said SH25A between Kopu & Hikuai was closed for about three hours following a collision between a motorcycle and a car about 3.12pm.

"The collision is still under investigation by the Serious Crash Unit however initial indications on the cause of the crash are that a motorcycle being ridden by a 51-year-old woman has crossed the centreline and collided with an oncoming car.

"The rider, who we understand was on a learners licence, was critically injured in the crash and both vehicles caught alight. The two occupants of the car were shaken but unhurt and managed to extract themselves from the car and drag the woman clear of the fire however her injuries were not survivable."

Mr Tooman said Police understood the woman had been riding to Tairua with her partner who was on another motorbike a short distance ahead and returned to the scene when he noticed his partner had not caught up.

Media reports the occupants of the car had been taken to Waikato Hospital with serious injuries were incorrect.

"At this time of year there are a lot of motorcyclists riding the so-called Coro-loop route and the degree of rider experience varies a great deal.

"Many riders on Coromandel roads at this time of year aren't familiar with the challenges so wisely choose to ride with a more experienced friend. What we believe is that it is pretty hard to mentor someone from a rear vision mirror and perhaps it would be better for the more experienced rider to follow the novice and monitor their riding."

Police had not spoken to any independent witnesses at the scene and were appealing for anyone who saw the crash occur but who left the scene before officers arrived to contact Sergeant Jim Corbett of the Thames Police on 07 867 9600.