A 10-year-old student of Granger Elementary School was hit by a SUV while trying to cross the road towards his waiting school bus.
He was flown by a helicopter to Primary Children’s Medical Center. The boy was diagnosed with a skull fracture, cuts and scrapes, according to the police.
West Valley City Police Sgt. Jason Hauer disclosed that the accident happened near 3600 South and 1300 West around 8:30 a.m. The vehicle that struck the boy was identified as a Ford Escape. The identity of the driver and the boy are withheld by authorities pending investigation.
Police are still deciding if charges are going to be filed against the driver of the Ford Escape. Allegedly the boy ran across the street without looking.
A bus loaded with thirty to fifty students including the driver witnessed the accident and young students might be shaken by what they have seen. Granite School District spokesman Ben Horsley stated that counselors are at work at the school to assist the students dealing with the traumatic experience.
Horsley added that the injured boy is resting comfortably at the hospital as of Wednesday.
Christensen & Hymas wishes the young student a quick recovery. We encourage all parents to remind their children about the safety measures on getting off and on their school buses. We also remind motorists to slow down near loading school buses. The presence of a school bus on a street signifies that small children are in the vicinity. Be watchful for young children as it is sometimes difficult to see them because of their small size. Moreover, their impulsive nature is also something that drivers should be wary about. They might suddenly run because of excitement catching you unaware, especially if you are travelling at high speeds or driving distracted.
Christensen & Hymas specializes in personal injury cases. We have made available in our website materials on child safety. You also give us a call at (801)506-0800 if you have concerns on personal injuries and compensation.
Original article by Geoff Liesik of Deseret News
Image courtesy of Wikimedia