LAKEWOOD — A late-night winter stunt on a township roadway ended with a man suffering serious injuries after the snow tube he was riding was hit by a passing vehicle, authorities said.
Police said emergency personnel were called shortly before midnight January 25 for a report of a person struck by a car. When responders arrived, they located an adult male in the roadway with significant injuries.
He received medical treatment at the scene and was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where he remains hospitalized.
Investigators determined the man had been riding on a snow tube being pulled behind a vehicle, a hazardous practice sometimes referred to as “skitching.” According to police, the tube drifted into an opposing lane of traffic and was struck by an oncoming car.
The driver who was towing the tube was charged in connection with what police described as illegal and unsafe behavior. Authorities did not announce any charges against the driver of the vehicle that struck the tube.
Lakewood Police Chief Greg Meyer spoke to The Lakewood Scoop – the first media outlet to report the incident. He said the incident highlights the dangers of engaging in recreational activities on public roadways.
“Pulling a person behind a vehicle on a public street is extremely dangerous and puts everyone on the road at risk,” Meyer added. “This type of behavior can quickly lead to serious injury or worse.”
Police said the investigation is continuing. Authorities again warned residents that snow-related recreation should only be done in appropriate, designated locations and never on public roads.
