Plea for motorists to be more alert, considerate

A Matamata man who was seriously injured in a scooter accident last year is pleading with motorists to show more caution on the road.

Raymond McCheyne crashed into the side of a van in August after it backed out of a parking spot into the path of his 50cc scooter.

He was thrown through the back window and suffered extensive injuries including a broken shoulder, fractured collarbone and nerve damage.

‘‘I also cut my neck open – I’m actually lucky to be alive, very lucky,’’ McCheyne said.

McCheyne said drivers needed to be more considerate of other road users, particularly on busier roads.

‘‘I just really think people need to stop and think what they’re doing before they’re backing out or turning,’’ he said. ‘‘People look around this town.

‘‘ All they’re thinking is they have to be somewhere quick. They don’t think about their actions.’’

McCheyne’s comments come after a 29-year-old Matamata man lost a leg after a collision between his motorcycle and a car on Firth St last Saturday.

Sergeant Graham McGurk said the car turned in front of the motorcycle and police were still deciding if charges would be laid.

Matamata acting officer in charge Constable Gareth Carter said motorcyclists had to be proactive in keeping safe.

‘‘ They have to be wary and expect the unexpected,’’ he said.

He suggests motorcyclists wear bright clothing and perhaps not ride when weather is bad, and turn headlights on.

He also recommends that riders take lessons to learn about keeping safe.

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