POLICE said a 43-year-old Stawell man died after he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a tree near Lake Lonsdale on Saturday.
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He died at the scene on Greenhole Road.
Stawell Acting Sergeant Bryan Anderson said the motorcycle was travelling on Greenhole Road near Pickering Road just after 3pm.
“It appears the rider failed to negotiate a bend and veered off the road before crashing into a tree,” he said.
“At this point we do not know of any other circumstances involved. We will be measuring speed and will have an estimate. We will also be analysing for any traces of drug use or alcohol consumption. The road was shut to the public while police investigated the incident, taking measurements and photographs at the scene.”
The fatality was the first in the Northern Grampians region in 2017.
Acting Sergeant Anderson said motorists and motorcycle riders must be vigilant at all times.
“You must concentrate while you are driving or riding at all times because you just do not know what is around the corner,” he said.
“We want everyone to stay alert and stay safe on the road. It is a joint effort. We will do our job but drivers must also take responsibility and drive to the conditions.”
Acting Sergeant Anderson also said police would be increasing patrols ahead of the Grampians Music Festival at the weekend.
“The Grampians Music Festival and other events coming up will be policed and this includes road police,” he said.
“Officers will be restricted on rest days so more will be rostered on for these events.”
Acting Sergeant Anderson said the upcoming Labour Day long weekend would also be a concern to district police.
“Every public holiday there is a police operation underway in the Northern Grampians region,” he said.
“Every time there is an increase in traffic on the highway, police will have a safety operation going on to monitor the roads and ensure motorists are responsible and driving to the conditions.
“Whether it be a long weekend, Easter, Christmas or New Year’s there will be increased efforts to keep motorists safe on our roads.”
The fatality put this year’s road toll at 28, less than the 41 at this time last year.
Anyone who witnessed the crash was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au
