Rider dies after crash

Rider, 26, takes road toll to 34 as police warn of festive season blitz

A HORROR year on Tasmania’s roads has continued with the death of a motorcyclist in the state’s south on Sunday morning.

The 26- year- old man died after his motorbike crashed on Augusta Rd, Lenah Valley.

There have now been 34 lives lost on the state’s roads this year.

A HORROR year on Tasmanian roads has continued with the death of a motorcyclist in an early morning crash at Lenah Valley on Sunday.

A Glenorchy man, 26, was travelling toward Hobart on Augusta Rd about 6am when his motorcycle crossed to the wrong side of the road near Bedford St and collided with a power pole.

The state’s road toll has climbed to 34, marking eight more fatalities than this time last year.

Tasmania Police Acting Inspector Ian Mathewson said wet weather and road conditions were not considered factors in the crash, and it was not yet known whether drugs or alcohol were involved.

Police are also yet to determine whether the man was an experienced rider. “The rider of the motorcycle was wearing a helmet but it doesn’t appear to have been correctly fitted and secured,” he said.

“We would encourage and insist on all riders and motorcyclists to wear the correct safety equipment and gear and to ensure that they wear a correctly fitted helmet that is correctly fastened.

“The road safety message just doesn’t seem to be getting through to that small percentage of motorists who are prepared to risk themselves and unfortunately risk others on Tasmanian roads,” Insp Mathewson said.

In the lead- up to the festive season he said high- visibility patrols would be seen on the state’s roads to target the percentage of road users disregarding the road rules.

“I wish to reinforce the road safety message … to ensure that they keep within the speed limits, that they do wear their seatbelts, avoid driving with alcohol and drugs, and watch out for distractions and be mindful of fatigue,” he said.

Augusta Rd was closed to motorists for about three hours as investigators examined the scene.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage of a black, white and red Husqvarna motorcycle in the Hobart, Lenah Valley or North Hobart areas early on Sunday morning is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444.

Also on Sunday four teenagers were lucky to escape serious injury in a crash at Lachlan when their car flipped onto its roof.

The driver and a passenger were taken to hospital with the driver suffering multiple fractures. Two other passengers were treated at the scene,

Police said inexperience and speed were factors in the crash. Information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au.