A teen was air-lifted to a Toronto hospital with serious injuries after he and his dirt bike collided with a pick-up truck on an Elmvale street.
The Huronia West OPP report the collision occurred on Aug. 31 at around 8:45 p.m. on Robinson Road and Yonge Street South in Elmvale.
"This occurred as a group of youth travelled along town streets. One dirt bike became involved in a collision while the three other bikes fled the scene," said police in a news release.
The 15-year-old dirt bike driver who was involved suffered serious injuries.
Attached to the collision report is a reminder from OPP for off-road vehicle drivers to exercise caution and ride within laws designed to keep off-road-vehicle operators safe.
All provincial and County of Simcoe roads remain restricted for off-road vehicle (ORV) use. ORV's are permitted on most municipal roads in Springwater with a few exceptions. Operators must be 16 years of age or older with a valid G2, M2 driver's licence or greater to drive along a permitted road. ORV's must be equipped with a licence plate and the operator must be in possession of a driver's licence, registration permit and proof of insurance. When on the trails, also a valid trail pass.
"With the days getting shorter and having fewer hours of daylight, operators need to be aware of the time they head out for a ride, especially when not equipped with lighting," states the police news release. "Darkness and lack of lighting can lead to tragic outcomes."
OPP investigations into ORV collisions continue to show that losing control, alcohol consumption, lack of experience and overall carelessness are major contributing factors in severe injuries and deaths. Police are reminding drivers that the size and horsepower of some of these units are on the increase.
"They are not always afforded the level of respect they require," stated the police news release.
The Huronia West OPP request that any witnesses who have not already spoken to police or have dash cam footage of the collision, please call the Huronia West OPP at 705-429-3575 or at 1-888-310-1122.
