Police have released vision of a teenager’s lucky escape to highlight the dangers of riding illegal bikes and emphasise the need for safe driving behaviours on our roads.
Just after 12.30pm on Friday 26 June, a traffic patrol was dealing with a minor collision on Hillier Road, Reynella, near Southgate Plaza.
An electric motorbike rode past police and paramedics at the crash scene at high speed and on its back wheel. Seconds later, the rider crashed into a vehicle turning out of the shopping centre car park. He was ejected from the bike and landed heavily about 20 metres away.
The rider, a 16-year-old boy from Reynella, was taken to hospital. Luckily, he did not sustain life-threatening injuries. The driver of the car was uninjured.
The rider was subsequently reported for speeding past an emergency vehicle, riding in a manner dangerous, riding an unregistered and uninsured motor vehicle, and driving while unlicensed. The e-motorbike was impounded. He will be summonsed to appear in the Youth Court at a later date.
Not only was the rider lucky to avoid serious injury but he was extremely fortunate his actions didn’t injure anyone else.
Superintendent Shane Johnson, Officer in Charge, Traffic Services Branch said this type of dangerous behaviour will not be tolerated on our roads.
“This kind of reckless, irresponsible, and incredibly dangerous riding is disgraceful and shows the consequences of such unacceptable behaviour. While this rider is incredibly lucky, if you choose to take risks like this on the road then your luck will run out.
“People who choose to behave with such abandon on our roads are why crashes happen, including deaths.
“People riding these types of illegal e-bikes or e-motorbikes need to realise the risks involved and know that they are one of the most vulnerable road users who have little to no protection.”
Police have released the vision in an effort to deter others and highlight that all motorists must take responsibility in keeping SA roads safe.
