N.L. RCMP warn against speeding, impaired driving and stunting following increase in off-road vehicle usage

The RCMP is advising offroad vehicle drivers to use caution following an increase in the number of calls of reckless and impaired driving of off-road vehicles.

On July 1, shortly after 10 a.m., Bay St. George RCMP observed a side-by-side ATV travelling on the road at 113 km/h in a 50 km/h residential area in Ship Cove.

Police pulled the vehicle over and ticketed a 40-yearold man for his speed. The man also had his licence suspended and the ATV he was driving was seized and impounded.

The following day, just after 7 p.m., New-wes-valley RCMP stopped an ATV driving on the side of the road in Lumsden.

RCMP said the 47-year-old driver who was not wearing a helmet, showed signs of alcohol impairment.

The man failed a roadside breath test before being arrested and transported to the detachment where he provided further breath samples that were more than two and a half times the legal limit.

He has since been released from custody and will appear in court at a later date to answer impaired driving charges. His licence was also suspended and the ATV he was driving was seized and impounded.

Around 15 minutes later, Grand Falls-windsor RCMP was called to an off-road vehicle crash on Lighthouse Road in Botwood.

On arrival, officers found an 18-year-old dirt bike operator, who wasn’t wearing a helmet, had lost control before leaving the roadway and was seriously injured.

The investigation is ongoing.