A dangerous scene unfolded on the roads of Lehigh Acres when a group of ATV and dirt bike riders engaged in reckless behavior, putting both themselves and other drivers at risk.
The incident occurred Sunday around 6 p.m. along Joel Boulevard, leaving motorists shaken and fearful for their safety.
Victoria Delasota, a passenger in a vehicle traveling on Joel Boulevard, shared photos of the chaotic moment.
The images show several dirt bikes and ATVs riding in the middle of the road, performing wheelies, and weaving through traffic. Delasota described the experience as terrifying, recalling how the riders were trying to keep up with each other.
“It was like 10 to 15 ATVs and dirt bikes. A lot of them were wearing masks. Most of the dirt bikes were doing wheelies,” she said.
Jonathan Escobedo, the driver, expressed his concern about the riders’ actions, stating that it wasn’t just their lives at risk, but the lives of others on the road.
“When you're on the road, you're putting other people's lives at risk. And I don't want to end up in a hospital or in debt because of some loser on a dirt bike,” Escobedo said.
He said that he was baffled by the situation and fearful that the reckless riders would cause an accident.
Escobedo and Delasota both say the event is a reminder of the growing issue of illegal ATV and dirt bike use on public roads. In Florida, ATVs and dirt bikes are not permitted on public roads and streets, and law enforcement continues to remind the public of this regulation.
Escobedo and Delasota hope this incident serves as a reminder for everyone to be mindful of others on the road. They urge both drivers and riders to act responsibly to ensure the safety of everyone sharing the road.
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