(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Norfolk County Detachment is currently investigating a complaint of vehicle surfing after being called to a Pickerel Road, Long Point, Norfolk County, Ontario address.
On Sunday, August 12, 2013 at approximately 1:59 am, police were contacted after area residents observed several youths drinking and jumping on hoods of vehicles. One concerned resident observed several of the youth’s vehicle surfing.
Vehicle surfing is an illegal stunt where people pretend to ride on the exterior of a moving car as if they were surfing a wave. When you are riding on top of a moving vehicle, unrestrained, you are traveling forward at whatever speed the vehicle is going. An object in motion, including a human body, will continue in motion until forces cause it to slow or stop.
“The OPP want to ensure that this activity does not continue and drivers of motor vehicles found to be engaging in this activity, will face charges of Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and have their vehicle impounded. Drivers may face additional charges under the Criminal Code of Canada if an injury is associated to this type of activity.†comments Constable Ed Sanchuk, Norfolk County OPP.
Police would like every parent to speak to their child about this dangerous activity before they decide to try it for themselves. Remind them that even at a low-speed, an impact can cause life threatening injuries. Car surfing is not cool. It’s risky, reckless and has been known to be associated to fatalities
“This isn’t a game, its real life; people will get hurt and killed if they choose to engage in this kind of activity. Every parent needs to be aware of this dangerous activity. They have substantial influence over what their children do, but many parents might be unaware that vehicle surfing is even one of the dangers awaiting their children. Parents need to be aware of the risks of some of the things their teens are doing. They should be addressing these risks with their teens. comments Inspector Zvonko Horvat