A SOUTH East man has been arrested and charged with dangerous driving causing death after a fatal crash killed a motorcyclist in Millicent on the weekend.
The 22-year-old rider collided with two vehicles just after 6pm on Saturday near the intersection of Mount Burr Road and Delaneys Road, Rocky Camp and sadly died at the scene.
South Australian Police say initial investigations have revealed the 25-year-old driver of a Mitsubishi Ute failed to give way to the motorcyclist, resulting in the crash.
He was bailed to appear before the Millicent Magistrates Court next month.
Mount Burr Road was closed for several hours as a result of the incident while Major Crash investigators examined the scene and reopened the road just before 3.30am on Sunday.
While the driver of the other vehicle involved was not injured, they were treated for shock.
The crash was one of three fatalities to rock communities across the state in just four hours, as the road toll currently sits at 59 in comparison to 36 at the same time last year.
Inspector Damien Epps, Acting Officer in Charge, Traffic Support Branch said police were very concerned by driver behaviour.
“We are here to send a clear message that people need to take responsibility for their actions,” he said.
“They need to drive according to the road conditions, make sure they are obviously wearing seatbelts, not engaging in any alcohol or taking drugs before driving and they are driving in a manner that is safe to the community and obeying the road legislation.”
He added the road toll was significantly higher than it was at this time last year and the number of motorcyclist fatalities were concerning.
“It is very frustrating, we are obviously really concerned with driver behaviour at the moment,” he said.
“We are pleading with members of the public to ensure they are doing the right thing when they get behind the wheel of a vehicle or when they are on a bike.
“It is very concerning the toll of motorcyclist fatalities is so high, particular because a motorcycle does not have the protection of a vehicle.
“If they are involved in an accident, the matter is they could receive serious injuries and injuries that are fatal.
“We urge motorbike riders to ensure they do ride to the conditions, particularly during winter when roads are quite wet and the conditions may not be favourable for motorbike riding.
“These are tragic circumstances, three fatalities in four hours have a huge impact on not only families, but communities and school groups and work areas that those people work in.
“They are lifelong incidents, that will be with people for their lives.”
