A 12-year-old student was flown to Children’s Hospital Oakland after he was struck by a Volvo station wagon at Charlotte Wood Middle School shortly before 8 a.m. one morning last week.
The student, who suffered only minor injuries, was riding his bike at the crosswalk in front of the exit at Charlotte Wood just before the start of school when he was hit by a mother who told police she did not see him, according to the Danville police report.
“He was wearing a very sturdy helmet, thank goodness,” said Charlotte Wood principal Sandy Budde.
The driver was at or below the 25 miles per hour speed limit, police said. When the student was struck, he hit the hood of the car and then the windshield. Police reported that there was physical damage done to the car. An ambulance was called immediately.
Due to the student’s age and the nature of the accident, medical staff decided he should be flown to Children’s Hospital Oakland in case of internal injuries.
The incident occurred Monday, May 2. The student is recuperating at home and is expected back at school next week, said Budde.
Although these kinds of accidents are not common, Sgt. George Wright of the Danville Police Department cautions both pedestrians and drivers to be more cautious, especially around schools.
“Every school has traffic concerns. It’s not a singular problem. People have to pay attention to everything. That goes for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. The area is congested and growing, and traffic is definitely a concern,” said Wright.
Wright recommended that all bicyclists dismount from their bikes at controlled crosswalks like the one at Charlotte Wood, look left and right, and proceed with caution. In fact it’s the law, he said. Drivers, too, should proceed with extra caution at schools, he noted.
“It’s the middle school mentality: ‘If I’m in the crosswalk I’m safe,'” said Budde. Drivers should be aware that students might come out of nowhere, she said.
“Fortunately I was able to use this dramatic reminder to remind every single student how very important it is to wear a helmet and to walk bikes across the street,” said Budde.
Charlotte Wood Middle School sent letters home to all the parents explaining what had happened and gave advice on what parents and students can do to avoid accidents.
Almost the exact same accident occurred at Charlotte Middle three years ago, said Budde. She said part of the problem might be a large hedge at the crosswalk that obstructs views for pedestrians and drivers. She also thought perhaps there was a glare from the sun.
“It was a combination of all of those environmental factors,” said Budde.
Charlotte Wood is talking with district officials and the town of Danville
to see if a stop sign or flashing lights are needed at the crosswalk.
The mother was not cited.
