Kavana’s story: ‘The pain never goes away’
The life of Kavana Jane changed in a moment four years ago, when her fiancé was killed in a motorbike accident. As part of the ACC-supported Motorcycle Awareness Month, Kavana’s sharing her story to help others stay safe on our roads.
Kavana Jane says the pain of losing a loved one to a motorbike accident never goes away.
In August, the 25-year-old from Levin commemorated the four-year anniversary of her fiancé Lance Bell being killed in a motorbike crash.
Jane and her daughter Harley-Jean, four, marked the day by placing flowers on the cross at the crash site.
“I still miss him every day,” Kavana says.
“People say that it gets easier in time – but it doesn’t. In that moment I lost my partner, Harley’s dad and our future together as a family.
“Harley-Jean lost the chance for her dad to be around for all the important moments in her life. His chance to be her dad was ripped away.”
‘Look twice, save a life’
Lance, 29, was riding his Harley-Davidson to work in Palmerston North from Levin one morning in August.
The accident reports outlined the driver was on a learner’s licence and shouldn’t have been behind the wheel. They turned across State Highway 56 into his path.
Kavana has started her own local campaign. She’s made car stickers which read ‘Look twice, save a life’, framed by a logo showing an angel’s wings on a motorbike.
“Creating this sticker has healed a little part of me, that part that’s screaming ‘look twice’ every time I see a bike,” she says.
“When a biker approaches, I can assure you they smile seeing it and knowing you’re not a threat.
“If there’s one thing to take from Lance’s accident – look twice, it most definitely can save a life and family suffering.”
The heartbreak of losing a loved one
The memories of that fateful day are hard to escape.
Kavana woke up at 7:45am to the sound of banging on her front door. She knew straight away something was wrong.
Her neighbour was at the door and said her husband had just driven past a serious accident and could make out Lance’s bike.
Kavana’s worst fears were soon confirmed.
Lance was taken by ambulance to Palmerston North Hospital and was in a critical condition.
His heart went into cardiac arrest at 5:30pm, around 10 hours after the crash, and he had two emergency operations.
“At that stage, I was told Lance wasn’t going to make it through another hour and it was probably best to turn the life support off,” Kavana says.
“It was the worst decision I’ve ever had to make.”
Helping others stay safe
Kavana wants to tell her story to help others.
“Lance’s death shows the need for all New Zealanders to make better decisions on our roads. They’re dangerous places,” she says.
“If the driver had just taken another second, just to think about pulling out, he would’ve passed by the time they’d thought about it.”
In 2023, ACC accepted nearly 4,500 motorbike-related injuries at a cost of $133 million to help people recover. This was the highest number of injuries and the highest cost in the past five years.
Data shows 21 New Zealanders died in a motorbike accident in 2023 and there have been 12 fatalities so far in 2024 (up until 23 July).
All road users need to play their part
ACC injury prevention programme lead James Whitaker says motorbike riders and car drivers are both responsible for reducing motorcycle fatalities and injuries.
“We’re still not getting the message,” he says.
Riders need to make sure their gear and bikes are in good condition before hitting the roads, while car drivers should keep an eye out for motorcyclists, particularly at intersections.
From 2016 to 2020 there were 2,758 crashes involving a motorcycle or moped at urban intersections, Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) data shows. Of those, 538 involved serious injury and there were 38 fatalities.
Car drivers are at fault in 90 per cent of crashes between cars and motorbikes at urban intersections, Ministry of Transport figures show.
“We’ve all got to be more aware of the dangers at intersections,” James says.
“Look again for motorcyclists, not just the gap. Be aware of your blind spots.”
Learn how to Ride Forever
Kavana says her partner was a big advocate for the ACC Ride Forever injury prevention programme.
“Lance found it invaluable,” she says.
“I would 100 per cent recommend for all riders to complete a Ride Forever course. He got great tips like traction in the wet and how to manage his bike.”
Riders who have completed a Ride Forever course are up to 50 per cent less likely to lodge a motorcycle-related accident claim than non-trained riders.
More than 50 per cent of motorcyclists de-register and put their bikes away over the winter months but that changes in spring.
“As we come into September, it’s a great time of year and we want motorbike riders to celebrate their love of riding,” James says.
“As you get back on the bike, make sure you’re ready to get the most out of the riding season.”
Motorcycle Awareness Month
Every year from September, we see a rise in motorcycle crashes, injury claims and fatalities.
Motorcycle Awareness Month is promoted by ACC, the Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council (MSAC), NZ Police, local councils, and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.
ACC recommends motorbike riders do three things:
• Check your bikes are well-maintained
• Ensure your gear is up to scratch
• Refresh your skills by completing an ACC Ride Forever coaching programme
For more information and to find a course near you, please visit the Ride Forever website.
