Browse wBW ad-free: bercome a member for just $10/year!

Motorcyclist dies after hitting Armco

Dubbo Bridge armco barrier

A 42-year-old man has died after his motorcycle crashed into an Armco railing on the Old Dubbo Rd, in NSW, about 5.30pm on Wednesday (25 March 2020).

NSW Police says they believe “the man lost control of his bike as he negotiated a sweeping left-hand bend and hit the Armco railing” at Eulomogo Creek bridge.

“Passers-by located the man and contacted emergency services,” police say.

Police and ambulance personnel performed CPR on the man at the scene, but the rider from Ravenswood died shortly after arriving at Dubbo Base Hospital.

Our sincere condolences to the rider’s family and friends.

Officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District established a crime scene and began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

With the investigation ongoing it is yet to be determined why the rider “lost control”.

On country roads it could have been caused by a stray animal, another road user or the road surface.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Armco barriers

Aussie knowhow helps Thai riders stay safe Safe System Solutions Pty Ltd learn learner novice training licensed licensing
Dr Tana Tan

Hitting any sort of barrier often results in serious injury or death for riders.

Australian road safety consultancy Safe System Solutions Pty Ltd Research and Evaluations Lead and motorcyclist Dr Tana Tan says roadside hazards such as trees and signs should be removed from corners for the safety of riders.

However, barriers such as Armco are required to prevent vehicles from leaving the road and hitting other hazards, in this case a creek.

Tana says steel W-beam barriers on bends, especially on popular motorcycling roads, should have a lower rub rail to protect riders from impact with the upright posts.