Kilmacrennan quad riders flee Gardaí after forcing driver into evasive action on icy N56

Three quad drivers, two of which had pillion passengers, fled from Gardai in treacherous conditions after another motorist had to take evasive action last week.

Gardai, responding to incidents of dangerous driving, spotted three quads on the N56 at Ballykeeran, Kilmacrennan.

At the time, following a period of snow and ice, the road was described as being “treacherous”. A caller to Gardai reported that they had to take evasive action to avoid the vehicles. 

When Gardai arrived, the quads were on the public road, the N56. Gardai signalled for the drivers to stop, but they did not do so and veered off down a side road.

Donegal Gardai have reiterated a warning over the use of quad bikes and issued an appeal for information on the incident.

A spokesperson said: “We appeal to anyone who may have travelled along the N56 in that area between 1.30pm and 2.30pm on that date with a dash-cam, to make the footage available to us. Gardaí in Milford can be contacted on 074-9153060.”

This is the latest incident that Donegal Gardai have responded to in relation to quads and it comes after an incident where a quad was driven around a green area at the Donegal County Council offices in Carndonagh, causing substantial damage in the process.

Gardai have reiterated their warnings over the use of quads.

A spokesperson said: “We again wish to remind parents of the dangers associated with the use of quads and we urge them to talk to their children about the potential risks involved, both to their safety, the safety of others and also in relation to the law surrounding the use of them. 

“Never allow your youth to use a quad on public roads and make it known to them that this behaviour will not be tolerated by you as a parent or by Gardaí. It will be too late to act when a tragedy happens so please act now. 

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“Quads are powerful machines and they have the potential to severely or even fatally injure someone. 

“When a quad is used on a public road they are subject to the same rules as any other MPV. They are required to be registered, taxed and in a good roadworthy condition. The driver must hold the appropriate driving licence and they must be insured to drive the vehicle.”