Teens warned after lying down on roadway late at night

Huron County OPP have issued a warning to a group of teens not to play in traffic, literally. 

It comes after officers were alerted to a traffic hazard on Huron Street West in Exeter, Ont., just before 11 p.m. on Saturday. 

Police said a witness reported a group of at least 15 youth lying on the roadway with blankets covered over them. Apparently, as vehicles approached, the youth would get up and run away. 

"It's really concerning," said Const. Jamie Stanley. "So many things can go wrong."

Stanley said it's the first incident in Huron County but others have been reported in northern Ontario. The idea stems from a viral TikTok challenge, he said. 

"Hopefully it doesn't take off here. A prank of this nature is very alarming. It's certainly a death wish."

Responding officers were able to locate some of the teens involved and warn them about the dangers of such activity. 

For example, Stanley said, the teens could fail to get out of the way, a vehicle might not be able stop in time or a vehicle may take evasive action and end up leaving the roadway or causing a collision.

"All because you're trying to get some likes on your social media feed." 

Stanley said parents and caregivers may want to remind their children that some likes on a social media platform are not worth risking a life over.