(BLANDFORD BLENHEIM TOWNSHIP, ON.) – Members from The Oxford County Detachment and The Highway Safety Division (West Region) Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received several traffic complaints involving a group of motorcycles on Saturday August 23, 2014 shortly before 11:00 a.m.
OPP were advised of 20-30 sport bike motorcycles travelling together, westbound on the 401 Highway in an aggressive manner approaching Oxford Road 3. Concerned callers reported that the motorcyclists were using all three lanes of traffic, speeding, engaging in stunt driving, sitting/laying sideways across their bikes, standing up on the seats.
At approximately 10:55 a.m., a single motor vehicle collision occurred as one of the riders lost control of their motorcycle. The driver was thrown from the motorcycle and received minor injuries. Witnesses advised that a group of riders from the pack ahead, stopped and returned to the crash scene driving east bound in the westbound lanes of traffic. The injured rider was picked up, his bike removed off the roadway and all riders fled the scene at a high rate of speed.
A short time later a traffic stop was conducted and the fail to remain driver was identified as a passenger on one fleeing motorcycle.
He was transported to area hospital for his injuries.
Charged is Alexander ATCHISON, 26 years old of Mississauga with the following offences:
Careless Driving – Highway Traffic Act (HTA)
Fail to Remain at the scene of an accident (HTA)
Operate Motor Vehicle – No Licence (HTA)
Operate Motor Vehicle – No Insurance – Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act
Eric DUFAUX, 30 years of Kitchener, the driver of the motorcycle who was transporting ATCHISON was charged with the following:
Class M1 Licence Holder – Carry Passenger (HTA)
Class M1 Licence Holder – Drive on Prohibited Highway (HTA)
Obstruct Plate (HTA)
Drivers who engage in high risk driving behavior put everyone at risk. Speeding makes it more difficult for drivers and pedestrians to react to changes, stop suddenly, and control a vehicle. In the case of a collision, the higher the speed the more severe the collision and the more likely that serious injuries or death will occur.
OPP would like to remind the motoring public to respect all the rules of the road when travelling.