HOPE (NEWS1130) – Mounties are blaming distracted driving after someone driving a motorcycle slammed into a bear along the Lougheed Highway between Agassiz and Hope.

Police say the driver was filming a stunt with a video camera mounted on his helmet. He went from zero to 140km/h in less than 20 seconds.

“In the peripheral of the camera, you can see a train approaching the motorcycle,” explains Corporal Robert McDonald. “The train spooked a young bear out of the bushes that goes running across the highway.

“Unfortunately, the driver seems to be concentrating on the speedometer for a few more seconds before he looks up and sees the bear,” he adds.

But it was too late; the bike collided with the animal.

The bear got up and walked away. The driver flew off the bike but has non life threatening injuries.

McDonald is reminding the public to stay focused while behind the wheel of any vehicle.