A motorcyclist was transported to the hospital with minor injuries after an accident in Newcastle Monday afternoon, Nov. 2.
David Silva Ribeiro, 16, of Nobleboro, was operating a Suzuki motorcycle northbound on Route 1, according to Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jason Nein. Witnesses say Silva Ribeiro attempted to pass “two or three” other northbound vehicles, Nein said.
When Silva Ribeiro returned to the northbound lane, he applied the brake, at which point the bike started to skid, Nein said. The motorcycle slid to its side, at which point the operator was separated from the motorcycle.
Nein said Silva Ribeiro sustained minor injuries and was transported by the Central Lincoln County Ambulance Service to LincolnHealth – Miles Campus, where he was treated and released, according to hospital personnel. Silva Ribeiro was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, which Nein said may have saved the juvenile’s life.
“The injuries sustained were less than what we typically see with incidents like this,” Nein said.
Nein said he does not suspect alcohol or any intoxicants played a role in the accident.
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Chubbuck is the investigating officer. Nein, LCSO’s crash reconstruction specialist, said the investigation is ongoing.
Nein said speed and the operator’s experience might be factors in the accident.
“This type of bike is known as a ‘crotch rocket,'” Nein said. “It is fast and powerful, and the driver needs to be keenly aware of their surroundings at all times or else things could get messy.”
The Newcastle Fire Department also responded to the scene and assisted with traffic control while Nein documented the scene.
