A COURT case related to the death of a cyclist in Macedon has shown how easy it is for a driver to be distracted on the road and kill a rider.
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It comes as Ballarat Police reveal a 16 per cent increase in cycling related incidents in the past 12 months on Ballarat roads.
The County Court heard this week of a young driver who was distracted for 10 seconds changing music on her car radio when she hit and killed a cyclist in Macedon.
Emma Kent, 24, tearfully pleaded guilty on Wednesday to dangerous driving causing death.
Kent was trying to connect her phone’s Bluetooth to the car audio when she struck 57-year-old Gareth Davies on Black Forest Drive, Macedon, on December 10 last year.
She pleaded guilty on Wednesday to dangerous driving causing death and was remanded in custody for sentencing on November 26.
Ballarat Highway Patrol Acting Senior Sergeant Stuart Gale said a case such as this or high profile local cases such as that of Luke Taylor or Christian Ashby - who were both struck by cars and suffered life-changing injuries - highlights how important it is for all road users to remain vigilant.
“Up until the November 15, we’ve seen a 16 per cent increase in incidents involving cyclists on the previous 12 months to the same time,” he said.
“Obviously there is a lot more people out on the road this time of year and it’s going to increase as the weather heats up.
“It’s all about a tolerance, we’re all in a hurry and it leads to distraction. Speed is often a concern, it always factors considerably in fatal and serious collisions.”
Senior Sergeant Gale said just this week, he himself had been riding in Humffray Street North and was attempting a right hand turn when he was “tooted” by an angry driver.
“I was doing everything right, I moved into the centre of road, used hand signals yet, the driver had no patience,” he said.
But he added that it was a two-way street and cyclists needed to obey laws such as speed, turning signals and making sure they are always wearing a helmet.
“It’s one of my great frustrations at seeing bicycle riders without helmets,” Senior Sergeant Gale said.
“I do get very annoyed, particularly with the older generation who should be setting a better example, particularly for children.
“It’s not your lycra-clad riders, it’s more your commuters and younger adults.
“Helmets are designed to an Australian standard, and it is absolutely my strong opinion that if you hit your head at any speed they will cushion the blow and possibly help to save your life.”
Highway patrol officers are preparing to blitz Ballarat roads over the coming weeks leading into Christmas with a zero tolerance of speed, impaired driving and distraction.
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