The Witless Bay Town Council and the RCMP are warning the public about “traps” or dangerous obstacles intentionally set up along the former rail bed between Bay Bulls and Witless Bay—after an ATV driver narrowly avoided serious injury.

RCMP say an ATV operator driving on a section of the trail near Dean’s Road, was knocked off his machine after striking a 3/4 inch cable strung across the trail.

The cable was hung at neck height, and struck the driver’s helmet. Luckily, the driver was traveling slowly at the time, and police say he could have been killed had he been driving at a high speed.

Police are calling the incident a very serious offence that poses severe risk to all off-road vehicle users.

A conviction could result in a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, and life in prison if it causes death.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ferryland RCMP or Crime Stoppers.