SunLive – Friend lost in tragic motorcycle accident

Intensive care nurse and paramedic Nick Grant has experienced both sides of road traffic accidents as a medical professional and as a patient himself.

It has been two years since his best mate Sean Dickey was hit and killed while riding his motorbike together in Christchurch.

As part of Motorcycle Awareness Month in September, Grant wants to share his story to help others:

I will never forget April 19, 2022.

Since then, I have thought about Sean every day; he was a good friend and colleague.

We both finished work and drove to Tai Tapu for dinner.

Nick Grant and his dad on their bikes – Nick says: “Riding a bike is a joy for me. It's a great feeling but you have to have the skills to earn the right to ride safely.” Photo / provided

We were driving at the maximum speed in the 80 km/h zone when a car came out of a T-junction directly in front of us.

The police report stated that Sean had less than a second to react, while I had just over a second between the car moving and the collision with our motorcycles.

We had nowhere to go. I passed out for a moment – I don't remember flying through the air. I remember coming to on the street.

My professional experience came in handy immediately. I have worked in many traumatic situations and was able to quickly assess what had happened and my own injuries.

I broke my femur and ankle and suffered a concussion. But from what I saw, I knew Sean was much worse. He died at the scene, which was devastating.

Nick Grant and Sean Dickey – Nick on the loss of his good friend: “This is probably the greatest grief I have ever experienced.” Photo / provided

When I arrived at Christchurch Hospital I was overwhelmed with emotion. I am grateful to my colleagues at the hospital and on site for the excellent care they gave Sean and me.

It was overwhelming and heartbreaking. This is probably the greatest grief I have ever experienced.

It was hard to deal with. Trauma is a common part of my job, so I had to prepare myself for it. Riding a bike is one of my favorite places.

It's an incredible feeling, but you must have the skills needed to earn the right to drive safely and protect yourself as if your life depended on it, because it does.

I have two pieces of advice for motorcyclists: First, you must wear the proper protective equipment every time you ride.

Every year from September onwards, ACC records an increase in motorcycle accidents, personal injuries and fatalities. Photo / provided

You should never get on a motorcycle or moped without full protective gear, which includes a full-face helmet. I can safely say that my gear saved my life.

Secondly, you must invest in your training and strive to become the best rider possible.

Ride Forever is a great program and the skills you learn could be the difference between life and death.

And finally, a friendly word of advice to other road users: watch out for motorcyclists.

Motorcycle Awareness Month – September

Each year from September, ACC records an increase in motorcycle accidents, personal injury claims and fatalities.

Motorcycle Awareness Month is sponsored by the ACC, the Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council (MSAC), New Zealand Police, local authorities and New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

ACC recommends three things to motorcyclists:

1. Check that your bikes are well maintained

2. Make sure your equipment is up to date

3. Brush up on your skills by completing an ACC Ride Forever coaching program

For more information visit: www.rideforever.co.nz