Harbour Grace RCMP responded to two separate crashes involving off-road vehicles this past weekend. Both operators remain under investigation for impaired driving.
At approximately 6:30 p.m. on Sunday police received a report of a crash on Route 70 in Northern Bay. The 24-year-old operator, who was not wearing a helmet and was traveling at a high rate of speed weaving in and out of traffic prior to the crash, was ejected from the quad and was seriously injured. He was transported to Carbonear General Hospital for treatment of his injuries. An investigation into impaired driving and dangerous driving is continuing.
At approximately 4:15 this morning, police received a report of an off-road vehicle crash in Harbour Grace. A youth, who was reportedly driving in an aggressive manner, flipped a quad on Harvey Street. He was able to upright the quad and departed the scene before police arrival. Minutes later, he was located on Water Street and refused to stop for police. The quad had mechanical issues and stalled in the roadway a short distance away. The youth was arrested for flight from police and showed signs of alcohol impairment. He was transported to Carbonear General Hospital for treatment of his injuries and was released. He was provided with a breath demand and refused to provide breath samples. The youth is facing charges of flight from police, refusing to provide breath samples, impaired operation and breach of probation.
Alcohol and off-road vehicles can be a deadly combination and one that can have life-altering consequences. RCMP NL reminds off-road vehicle operators to drive sober and to wear all available safety equipment such as seatbelts, where equipped, and helmets.