A collision between a trio of teenaged long-boarders and a pickup truck in Saanich could have ended much worse, after one of the teens escaped serious injury despite being pinned under the vehicle.
Saanich police say the incident occurred along the narrow, winding Gordon Point Drive in Gordon Head around 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 28.
The three 14-year-old boarders encountered the truck travelling in the opposite direction.
While one teen avoided hitting the truck, another fell off his longboard and slid along the road under the vehicle, and the third avoided being hit but grabbed and damaged the tailgate.
“Thankfully the driver was travelling extremely slowly at time … and stopped her vehicle prior to the long-boarder sliding underneath her vehicle,” said Sgt. Steve Eassie.
“We can’t stress this point enough: when people are using items such as longboards or skateboards of any fashion ... it’s extremely important for them to be able to stop. At the speed (these teens) were travelling, we consider all three fortunate that the injuries were not severe.”
The teen that was briefly pinned under the truck sustained only road rash and skin abrasions.
Eassie said all three teens took responsibility for their actions and will be paying the $1,000 to $1,500 repair bill for the truck.
Skateboarders are allowed to ride on roads and sidewalks in Saanich “however they must do so safety,” Eassie said.
kslavin@saanichnews.com