Gatineau teenager injured in car surfing incident

Tashi Farmilo

A 16-year-old teenager from Gatineau suffered injuries following a dangerous car surfing stunt, leading to a strong admonition from local authorities against such reckless behavior. 

On Sunday, November 19, shortly before 11:00 am, Gatineau Police responded to an emergency call at the intersection of Rue de l'Oasis and Impasse des Vents, near Boulevard la Vérendrye Ouest in Gatineau. Upon arrival, officers found the injured teenager, who had regained consciousness and was receiving medical attention from paramedics.

Investigations revealed that the teen had fallen from a moving vehicle while engaging in "car surfing", a hazardous act where an individual rides on the exterior of a moving vehicle controlled by another person. The teenager was rushed to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

In a concerning turn of events, the driver of the vehicle, a 17-year-old, faced immediate legal repercussions. The vehicle was seized for seven days, and both the driver and the injured teenager had their driver's licenses suspended for the same duration. Additionally, each will incur a $1,000 fine and receive 12 demerits on their driving records.

Section 434 of the Quebec Highway Safety Code explicitly prohibits such actions, stating: "No person may hang on to, or be pulled or pushed by a moving road vehicle, and no driver may tolerate such a practice." This incident underscores the serious risks and legal consequences associated with car surfing.

The Gatineau Police emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding the dangers of such activities. They strongly discourage this behavior and advocate for open dialogue between parents and their children about the risks and legal implications. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards of reckless driving behaviors and the importance of adhering to road safety regulations.

The police department remains on standby, monitoring the situation for any indication that this might be part of a larger trend among local youth. However, there is presently no evidence to suggest that this is the case. The focus remains on education and prevention to ensure the safety of all road users in Gatineau.

Photo caption: Emergency services attended an incident in Gatineau, Quebec, highlighting the dangers of reckless driving behaviours.

Photo credit: Tashi Farmilo