Ask The Copper

[helly]

PLEASE HELP:

I normally wouldn't ask here, but if anyone on the forum has any information regarding a Double Fatal Truck Crash on the Sturt Highway between Hay and Balranald last week (5 July 2008) it would be appreciated if you could assist.

While we are aware of HOW the collision occurred, we are interested in WHY?

Both drivers were killed on impact, and hence we'll never be able to ask them what happened. We know that there were a number of drivers who witnessed the incident or had seen the drivers at other locations earlier on in the morning. I would appreciate to hear from anyone who has any information at all, whether it is first or second hand, it may still be helpful.

I attended the scene and am investigating the matter and would really like to give the families an answer in the near future so they can have some closure. This is why I have chosen to ask here, as anything that can help clear things up 'quickly' will lessen to ongoing grief that they are dealing with now. the answer may not be what they want to hear but it will allow them to start dealing with things now rather than possibly never knowing at all.

Please fell free to PM me or contact Hay, Deniliquin or Balranald police if you wish to help but want to remain anonymous. I will not pursue the identity of anyone who PM's me here.

Many Thanks,

Helly

[Shounak]

Originally Posted by helly

Its got more to do with that they see more when they are on the bikes and generally the public don't pick them in traffic so easily, so mobile hone stays to the ear a little longer and that sort of thing.

In NSW they are the same blokes anyway. All HWP bikers drive the cars as well... So its not the officer so much, but the ability for those officers to see more of what's going on. Every time I get into an unmarked car I write about twice the number of tickets per shift, thats just how it works out!

I always had this impression, but that might be because I rode a sports bike. We riders always nod to each other and a few people I know have nodded to a copper, only to have the cop about face and come screaming up behind them.

Also the topic of splitting. I used to split heaps and cop cars never minded. I've never personally been written up for it, but just about everyone else got written up by a bike copper. I never minded splitting around normal cars, but if I ever got the hint of a cop bike, I wouldn't split.

A lot of riders seem to think that cops on bikes are much more arrogant and ticket happy than your garden variety HWP or GD, but who knows. I haven't dealt with enough cops to know.

[jules]

Originally Posted by Shounak

Also the topic of splitting. I used to split heaps and cop cars never minded. I've never personally been written up for it, but just about everyone else got written up by a bike copper. I never minded splitting around normal cars, but if I ever got the hint of a cop bike, I wouldn't split.

depends if it's stationary or moving traffic. i'd expect to get written up for splitting moving traffic, but i'd be upset if it was for splitting stationary traffic.

[Shounak]

Originally Posted by jules

depends if it's stationary or moving traffic. i'd expect to get written up for splitting moving traffic, but i'd be upset if it was for splitting stationary traffic.

It's all the same. There's no splitting offence specifically.

You can get done for
-overtake too closely
-overtaking on the left
-failing to indicate when changing lanes (you're ducking between the lanes, only by inches)

Those are usually stretches and plenty of riders have beaten the charges.

To get a bit nitty gritty, splitting is with moving cars and filtering is with stationary cars. It doesn't matter which you're doing though, because the above offences can be applied in either case. But like I said before, I've done plenty of filtering and a bit of splitting around cop cars and the general consensus is that unless you do it at warp speed, it's ok.
-

[jules]

that's similar to what i've been told. i've been to magistrate's court though, and quite frankly, with some magistrates you may as well be arguing with a brick wall. i could sit on the bench and say "guilty, guilty" over and over without having a law degree.

[Ripcell]

Originally Posted by VicCop

On your probationary licence there is a little part that says "Probation Expiry".

You aren't on a full licence until the end of your probationary period. You may physically have a full licence, but it's just VicRoads sending them out early so that you can renew.

damnit **bangs head

ahwell ill clean the ss for a little longer

[Jesterarts]

Alright... I have a question...

What happens to confiscated cars? The ones that are permanentally confiscated?

Do the get auctioned off?

Where can I find information about police auctions...

[Weekend Warrior]

i have a question for you, is it illegal to tint my side indicators a bit. (you can still see them flash)

[STEALTHY™]

Originally Posted by Weekend Warrior

i have a question for you, is it illegal to tint my side indicators a bit. (you can still see them flash)

6 of one, half a dozen of the other.

Theres rules that you can't use tint, yet as long as the lights can still be seen from 200metres away they are legal.

[Weekend Warrior]

hmmm sounds alright, you would have to be pretty unlucky for a cop to notice and defect you if it can be seen...touch wood!

[STEALTHY™]

Originally Posted by Weekend Warrior

hmmm sounds alright, you would have to be pretty unlucky for a cop to notice and defect you if it can be seen...touch wood!

I've had mine on tinted for years, and never a problem. Only once i was told to remove green globes out of them. Since having orange, there hasn't been a problem.

[taskmaster]

Originally Posted by L8N

Serving Police Member, is it true that if you are pulled over by a cop and you havnt done anything wrong that they cant ask to see your licence? they can ask if you have it on you but they cant actually ask to see it.

no a police officer may at any time pull your car over for a random rbt or road safty test and ask to see your license.

it is illegal to not carry your license with a maximum fine of upto $750.00 on the spot and refusing to show your license when asked by a police officer is a offance with a maximum fine of uotp 2500.00 or you could be charged and issued with a court attendance notice

btw not a cop but got a 3month suspension last year for failing to provide license when asked cause he was a rude prick

NOTE: these fines i mentioned are for NSW it may be smaller or larger in other states and their just what my lawer on the day mentioned above told me

[taskmaster]

Originally Posted by Jesterarts

Alright... I have a question...

What happens to confiscated cars? The ones that are permanentally confiscated?

Do the get auctioned off?

Where can I find information about police auctions...

yes they are either auctioned off or destroyed
calling your local police station would give you more information on local police auctions in your area but note if you have had your car confiscated for street racing they may refuse to resell you your car