Three 14 year old youths are fortunate to have avoided serious injury during a collision with a motor vehicle while longboarding.
On August 28, 2013, the three youths were using longboards and skateboarding down Gordon Point Drive, a narrow, undivided road near the Gordon Head area of Saanich.
A vehicle that was travelling in the opposite direction, driven by a 38 year old area resident, slowed when the youths were observed. One of the youths lost control of his board and fell to the roadway. The youth slid under the front of the vehicle just as the vehicle came to rest. Thankfully, other than road rash type injuries, the youth did not sustain any further injuries.
One other youth was able to avoid colliding with the vehicle, while the third youth dragged his hands down the side of the vehicle before grasping onto the tailgate to stop. The vehicle, a 2013 Nissan pickup, sustained damage estimated to be over $1000.
While there are no current bylaws preventing skateboarders from using the roadways, this incident serves as a reminder to anyone using the roads to use caution.
The youths involved in this incident all understood that their actions were unsafe. All were identified and were reunited with family. Thankfully, the injuries from this incident were relatively minor.
File 2013-17496
Sgt. Steve Eassie #158