Three minors injured in ATV crash near St Malo

Three youth suffered what police call minor and non-life-threatening injuries after they flipped a side-by-side while going around a corner near St Malo.

St. Pierre-Joly RCMP responded to the single vehicle accident on Gosselin Road, near Foret Road off Highway 59 on July 18 at approximately 5:20 p.m.

Officers arrived to find that a 13-year-old female had been driving the side-by-side along with two other youths – a 15-year-old female and nine-year-old male. The driver attempted to turn when the side-by-side flipped, ejecting the two passengers from the vehicle.

All three youths from the RM of De Salaberry were transported to a Winnipeg hospital with minor non-life-threatening injuries.

Manitoba RCMP is urging the public to take proactive safety steps following a string of accidents on the roads and on the trails that saw two fatal collisions in a 39-hour period – all involving young people.

On July 18, at approximately 3:40 a.m., an 18-year-old Dauphin male died following a single-vehicle collision on Highway 20 in the RM of Dauphin. It appears the driver of the vehicle may have lost control while rounding a corner and went into the ditch.

The same day, a 16-year-old male youth from Virden died following a collision in Oak Lake, in the RM of Sifton. The youth had been riding his dirt bike with friends when he struck an unmarked guy-wire.

“We know summers in Manitoba have so much to offer, but we are urging everyone to take precautions and make safe choices — whether you are on the water, on the road or riding off-road,” said RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Melanie Roussel.

For people riding on off-road vehicles (ORV), RCMP remind drivers to learn about the area they’re riding in and ensure they are carrying your cellphone and/or GPS device.

Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Better yet, ride in a group of two or more and wear your seat belt if your ORV is equipped.

It is illegal to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, carry a passenger unless the ORV is designed to do so, or go out without a helmet.

No person under the age of 14 should operate an ORV unless supervised by an adult or operate on a roadway. Crossing a roadway is permitted if you hold a valid driver’s licence.