RCMP say texting was behind a serious accident Monday in the R.M. of Stanley. The incident happened when an oncoming car struck a pick-up truck parked on the side of Road 33 West.

"Distracted driving can have very serious consequences," said Tara Seel, RCMP Media Relations Officer. "When you are driving, your sole focus should be on the task at hand. Driving is a big enough challenge that it should occupy your full attention."
    
According to RCMP, the two occupants of the pick-up had exited the vehicle to capture a donkey that had escaped its pen. Upon returning to the truck, the driver noticed a northbound car approaching at a high rate of speed. While standing beside the truck, he tried to flag down the driver of the car in hopes they would slow down and move to the other side of the road.

However, the car struck the back of the pick-up causing it to swing out and strike the passenger who was standing on the other side of the truck, throwing him into the ditch. The 17-year-old suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries.
    
The 47-year-old male driver of the truck suffered minor injuries. The 18-year-old male driver of the car also suffered minor injuries.

Investigation revealed the driver the car was texting and driving at the time of the crash and was also driving on a suspended license. He is facing numerous charges.

"Anything that takes your eyes off the road can put you at risk, as well as everyone sharing the road with you," Seel says.

A RCMP Forensic Collision Reconstructionist is assisting with the ongoing investigation.