ST. LANDRY PARISH, La. (NEWS 15) — A teenager is hospitalized after an ATV was struck by a car in the Lewisburg area, according to the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Bobby Guidroz reported it happened when the victim, who is under the age of 17, entered Lenora Road from a private driveway on Tuesday evening.
"The juvenile was air-lifted to a Baton Rouge area hospital with serious injuries," he stated.
The sheriff noted there is no suspected impairment on the part of the automobile driver.
Deputies emphasized the importance of following laws regarding off-road vehicle operations.
"Off-road vehicles — three-wheelers, four-wheelers, side-by-sides — or other all-terrain vehicles can only be operated on the shoulder of public roads and highways in very limited conditions," Major Mark LeBlanc with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office explained.
This is the second time in recent months that a teenager has been injured or killed while riding an ATV. A 17-year-old was killed in Acadia Parish last month when the ATV he was riding was rear-ended by an SUV.
The sheriff added anyone with questions can contact the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office at (337) 948-6516.
The crash remains under investigation.