A TEENAGE girl suffered a suspected broken neck in a quad bike crash.
The 17-year-old rider was rushed to Tameside General Hospital, where she is still being treated.
She is believed to have been the passenger on the bike being driven by a 16-year-old female friend on Buckton Vale Road, Stalybridge. The younger girl lost control of the vehicle at 10.40 last night and both girls hit parked cars.
The 16-year-old suffered facial and arm injuries and was also taken to hospital. She was later discharged.
Police were unable to confirm whether the bike involved in this latest incident had any licence plates.
One resident on the street said they had heard loud screams and laughter before the incident.
He said: “There were four of them, two boys and two girls, taking it in turns to race up and down the road.
Racetrack
“I didn’t think anything of it because this road is like a racetrack at times, but then there was an almighty bang. We looked out and could see the two injured girls and within minutes the police and ambulances had arrived.”
Another said: “An accident has been waiting to happen on this road.
“There are restrictions and signs everywhere warning drivers to kill their speed.
“But kids are always racing up and down and to be honest, I’m not surprised something like this has happened.”
It is the latest in a string of serious accidents and tragedies involving quad bikes on our roads. The Manchester Evening News has been campaigning for all off-road vehicles – including quads – to be properly registered.
The M.E.N. has previously revealed how off-road bikes are responsible for 26,000 complaints to Greater Manchester Police every year – an average of more than 70 a day.
Blackley MP Graham Stringer tabled a private member’s bill to try to force all off-road motorcycles and quad bikes to carry number plates.
The measure was effectively killed off when it ran out of parliamentary time in July.
But Mr Stringer said a lot had been achieved. The government has agreed to set up an inter-departmental task force on the issue, with Mr Stringer as a member.
Anyone with information about the latest incident is asked to get in touch with police on 0161 856 8809.
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Girl 'breaks' neck in accident
August 16, 2007
Showing comments 1 to 12 and replies | View All
ace, manchester (16/08/2007 at 10:01)
Dawn Lonergan (16/08/2007 at 10:44)
Leo B (16/08/2007 at 10:52)
perhaps not then (but she'll be able to claim from the Motor Insurer's Bureau, who take one pound in every ten that you and I pay for insurance, in order to compensate those injured by uninsured motorists...so that's all right then! No harm done!
Ms D, Manchester (16/08/2007 at 10:59)
Black Sabbath (16/08/2007 at 11:15)
JOHN FOSTER (16/08/2007 at 13:23)
ace, manchester (16/08/2007 at 13:58)
Why is it people who actually post in this newspaper can see what is going wrong with our society and how to solve the problems of this country.But the MPs and governments dont see the same as the working/voting people of britain.You hit the nail on the head mate.They have to much to do they dont appreciate what they have .its time to educate these idiots who hang around doing nothing for the rest of their lives.
Carrbrook Resident, Tameside (16/08/2007 at 16:53)
majjie (16/08/2007 at 16:56)
This happened right outside my house. I sat in the middle of the road with her untill the ambulance arrived. She was terrified. None of them had helmets on, they had been racing around for a while before the crash. They are lucky nobody was killed them or a passer by. Its about time these kids and the parent who allow them to ride these bikes realised just how dangerous they are.
RedPaddy (16/08/2007 at 18:27)
I'm sure we all broke a few windows in our youth and I remember drinking myself silly from 11 upwards and causing mischief.
The best thing that happened to me was becoming a Dad at 16. That made me grow up and maybe that's what they need -more responsiblness.
As for these people not wearing helmets why don't the government supply all kids a free helmet, then there will be no excuse. Better spending money on that than the Olimpics
LookingForLogic, Stockport (17/08/2007 at 00:48)
El Mac (18/08/2007 at 16:16)
My sympathies go out to the Neighbours who suffered from the nuisance and owners of the cars they hit - Any damage will be costly and as these idiots aren't insured, you can guess the hassle for the car owners.
Of course, if we had a Police Force that actually patrolled on foot, then chances are this wouldn't have happened!