Old North News

Parents and schoolchildren need to be aware that not all drivers take the extra care they should when they are near schools.

That message was reinforced after a tragedy sent a 10-year-old to the hospital, fortunately with non-life-threatening injuries within the first week of school in Raleigh, North Carolina.

"People think this can't happen to them. It can,” said Ashley Meabln, who witnessed the child get struck by a vehicle while the youngster was in a crosswalk on his way to school, in a WRAL report. “I never would've thought that I would've witnessed what I witnessed.”

The child was walking to Wildwood Forest Elementary School Monday when the incident happened. It didn’t surprise another parent who has observed that some people drive too fast despite being in a school zone.

"I notice the problem,” said Adriana Perez, whose child is a second grader at the school.

Unless officials crack down on the traffic laws, Meabln worries about when another child could be struck by a speeding vehicle.

"It could be your niece, your nephew, somebody that has no other way of getting to school besides walking, so just slow down,” she said. “Your one minute is not worth a child's life."

Principal Holly Shaw wrote a letter to parents updating them on the situation.

"The student is receiving care and the district has also let the family know,” Shaw’s letter said. “We wanted you to know in case you or your student happened to see first responders at our school.”

Counselors were available for any student who saw or heard about the accident and wanted to discuss it.

“It is our hope that everyone will observe safe practices in traveling to and from school and work and be mindful of students who are walking,” Shaw said.

Raleigh Police said the investigation is ongoing and no charges are pending.