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VIDEO: Motorcycle crashes into bear after hitting 140 km/h

B.C. RCMP released a video showing a June motorcycle crash along Highway 7, where a driver collides with a bear at high speed.
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The bear in the video was spooked by a train (left) and darted across Highway 7 in B.C.


The RCMP's Fraser Valley Traffic Services have addressed a motorcycle accident from June 30 and released a video of the crash, which shows a motorcycle driver colliding with a bear on B.C.'s Highway 7.

In a press release published on Thursday, the RCMP said the motorcycle was travelling at speeds up to 140 km/h and over, and said the driver's helmet camera was focused on his odometer, not seeing the animal until it was too late to avoid contact.

B.C. RCMP cited "distracted driving" and "excessive speed" as the two main causes for the crash. The driver reportedly travelled from 0 km/h to 140 km/h in under 20 seconds.

The RCMP said the bear was spooked by a train and took off across the road.

"We've spoken in the past about motorcycle stunts and how dangerous they are; we always say you never know what could happen at high speeds," said Cpl. Robert McDonald. "This is a perfect example. The video clearly shows nobody else on the road, and a nice clear dry day. Who would expect a bear to run across the road?"

The driver received medical attention after the crash, but escaped with non-life threatening injuries.

The bear walked away.

"We hope this short video will help people realize the importance of slowing down, and concentrating on the complicated task of driving a motor vehicle," said Cpl. McDonald. "While motorists don't often need to avoid bears, every day drivers may need to react to events such as dogs running out suddenly in front of their vehicle, or a cyclist swerving to avoid something, or even a child running out of a driveway."