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Dirt-bike rider flown to Toronto with serious injuries

Police say 15-year-old was involved in crash with a pickup truck in Elmvale on Wednesday night
BarrieToday Staff
09012022DirtBikeCrashFlat
A 15-year-old dirt-bike driver involved in a collision Wednesday night in Elmvale was flown to a Toronto-area hospital with serious injuries.Photo from Ontario Provincial Police

A 15-year-old dirt-bike driver involved in a collision Wednesday night in Elmvale was flown to a Toronto-area hospital with serious injuries.

Huronia West OPP officers responded to area of Robinson Road and Yonge Street South on Aug. 31 at 8:48 p.m., for a reported collision between a pickup truck and a dirt bike.

Police say the crash 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," according to a news release. 

Huronia West OPP is asking any witnesses who have not already spoken to police or have dash-cam footage of the collision to call the detachment at 705-429-3575 or at 1-888-310-1122.

The OPP has reminded all off-road vehicle drivers to exercise caution and ride within laws that are designed to keep you safe while operating any type of off-road vehicle (ORV). All provincial and County of Simcoe roads remain restricted for off-road vehicle use. ORVs are permitted on most municipal roads in Springwater with a few exceptions.

Police say 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. ORVs 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, police say operators also need to be aware of the time they head out for a ride, especially when not equipped with lighting. Darkness and lack of lighting can lead to tragic outcomes.

The OPP says 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.

"Drivers need to remember 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," police said in a release.