A Police Serious Crash Unit (SCU) investigation into the death of a cyclist in Hamilton has found faulty truck indicators and a missed pre-trip inspection were contributing factors in the fatal crash.
The incident occurred about 8am on June 27, 2022, when a 2018 Freightliner Argosy 8×4 truck was travelling north on Tristram Street and stopped at the intersection with Norton Road for a red light.
The truck was in the left lane of the two available lanes and was indicating left.
A 28-year-old cyclist travelling in the same direction approached the intersection between the truck and the kerb, intending to continue straight ahead.
When the traffic light turned green, the truck began turning left and collided with the cyclist, who died at the scene. The crash was captured on CCTV.
The SCU report says weather conditions were fine and although there was slight fog in the area, visibility was clear and not considered a factor.
The cyclist was wearing high-visibility clothing and a helmet. The truck driver was breath-tested at the scene and returned a negative result.
A mechanical inspection of the truck found its brakes, steering and suspension were all in good condition. However, the main side indicators on the cab were not working and the driver’s seatbelt showed signs of fraying, issues that would have resulted in a certificate of fitness failure.
The SCU investigator concluded the primary cause of the crash was the truck driver failing to detect the cyclist approaching on the left side of the vehicle.
The 37-year-old driver, described as experienced, was later charged and sentenced for careless driving causing death but was not disqualified from driving.
The investigation identified several contributing factors, including the inoperative side indicators and the driver being distracted by using Google Maps on his mobile phone for directions.
The report also noted the cyclist did not observe the truck’s rear indicators while travelling on the inside of stationary traffic behind the truck at the front of the queue.
The design of the road layout, which directs cyclists travelling straight ahead into the inside lane alongside turning traffic, was also identified as a contributing factor.
The SCU recommended increased heavy vehicle driver training focused on blind-spot awareness, as well as funding for the development of affordable blind-spot cameras and sensors for trucks.
It also recommended changes to intersection design in Hamilton, including dedicated cycle lanes or advanced stop boxes that allow cyclists to position themselves in front of stationary traffic.
The investigation found the truck’s main side indicators, mounted behind the cab doors, had previously been disconnected during minor paint work and were not reconnected.
Although the truck’s rear indicators were functioning, investigators said they may have been partially obscured by traffic behind the vehicle. The truck also had an additional indicator repeater mounted on the third axle mudguard, but this was not visible from behind.
Investigators also noted the truck had orange sidelights near the headlights that could be mistaken for indicators. It was suggested the cyclist may have assumed the truck intended to continue straight because those lights were not flashing.
The truck was fitted with standard door mirrors and a convex mirror providing a wider field of view. Investigators determined the cyclist would have been visible in these mirrors.
Transporting New Zealand says the case highlights the importance of thorough walk-around inspections to ensure all lights and indicators are functioning before a truck begins a journey.
The organisation also says operators should have clear policies covering mobile phone use by drivers, including guidance on connecting navigation apps through Bluetooth systems for hands-free use and relying on audio directions rather than looking at a phone screen.
Transporting New Zealand says operators working in urban environments with high levels of cyclist and pedestrian traffic should also consider fitting trucks with blind-spot monitoring systems, which can also be retrofitted to existing vehicles.
