LOCAL roads have claimed the life of yet another motorcyclist, following an accident involving five vehicles on the A339 near Lasham last Wednesday.
A 43-year-old man from Basingstoke was killed in the incident. Another motorist was seriously injured.
The deceased - Stephen Benfell of Abbey Road, Basingstoke, - was riding away from Alton along the A339 with two other motorcyclists following behind. The three were said to be travelling in close proximity to each other, but it is not yet clear whether they were riding as a pack.
In the process of negotiating a left-hand bend near Birkham, the lead motorcyclist lost control for reasons that are yet to be ascertained, and collided with an on-coming Vauxhall Corsa.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the car, a 31-year-old woman from Basingstoke, suffered injuries to her chest, foot and arm, and severe shock. She was taken by ambulance to the North Hampshire Hospital at Basingstoke, but has since been released. According to police she remains deeply traumatised and has very little recollection of the accident.
The two following motorcyclists were also involved in the smash, as was a van which was following behind the car. The two motorcyclists and the van driver were unhurt.
Members of the police, fire and ambulance services were called to the incident, along with a crash investigation team. The road was closed by police for around four hours while debris was cleared and evidence gathered.
The officer dealing with the incident, Pc Craig Bodenham from Whitehill Traffic Police, said: ÒIt is not yet clear what made the motorcyclist lose control, and this is what the crash investigation team will try to find out.
ÒWe are now appealing for anyone who saw the crash, or anyone who saw the vehicles prior to the crash, to contact us and help with our enquiries.Ó
Pc Bodenham can be contacted at Whitehill traffic police on 0845 045 45 45.
An inquest into the fatality is to be held at Basingstoke on July 24.
This accident occurred just days before the traffic division of Hampshire Police announced that it is to hold a series of exhibitions in the county, in an effort to reduce the number of deaths and injuries to motorcyclists on HampshireÕs roads.
Part of a major Bike Safe Campaign, exhibitions will be aimed at highlighting various aspects of motorcycle safety, and participants will be invited to discuss these with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts who are also police officers.
There will be an opportunity to purchase goods and obtain advice on new technologies in the field of motorcycle tyres. Also on display will be TINTMAN, a device for measuring visual impairment, and a number of speed detection devices.
Visitors will have the opportunity to try out equipment, take part in road safety quizzes and competitions. Prizes include a pair of tyres, a racing helmet, tools and a riding assessment from ÔThe EdgeÕ, an organisation offering in-depth riding assessment by qualified experts.
A charity supported by the police, The Edge offers rider training at affordable prices and can be contacted on 0870 4422112.
The dates and venues currently planned for local Bike Safe exhibitions are May 26, June 16 and August 4 at the West Meon Hut on the A32; June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4 and October 2 at the Lord Derby public house on the A287 at Odiham; and August 11 at Thruxton Race Circuit.