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MAGNA - A teenager crossing a street near Matheson Junior High School in Magna was hit by a van Friday morning. It happened around 7:30 at 3500 South and 8000 West.
Trevor Zollinger is in the hospital surrounded by family members. He has a broken jaw, a fractured shoulder, cuts on his face and head, and bruises on his body.
"We just know he is in fixable shape but it's a scary thing," says Victoria Zollinger, Trevor's grandmother.
His grandmother says it happened just shortly after Trevor left for school.
She said, "It's the scariest call you can ever get. We got there, he was lying in the road."
The French horn he was carrying lies on the ground, smashed.
- Slow down near schools and in residential areas. Pay particular attention near schools during the morning and afternoon hours.
- Look for clues children are in the area,, such as AAA School Safety Patrollers, crossing guards, bicycles, and playgrounds.
- Scan between parked cars and other objects for signs that children could dart into the road.
- Always stop for school buses that are loading and unloading students. It is illegal to pass a school bus when red lights are flashing.
- Leave a little early so you are not rushed as you travel to work or school. Back to school often means increased congestion and longer commute times.
- Practice extra caution in bad weather. Drive with your headlights on, so children and other drivers can see you.
- Drive without distractions. Don't use cell phones, eat, or attend to personal grooming.
- Be aware of teen drivers. Newly licensed drivers are not accustomed to driving in congested areas such as school zones. Watch out for unexpected driving behaviors like sudden stops or abrupt changes in speed.
Police say a car saw Trevor and stopped for him to cross the street, but a van in another lane didn't.
"Apparently didn't see him crossing, and the kid stepped in front of the van and they collided in the intersection," explained Capt. Jon Fassett with the Unified Police Department.
The driver of the van told police he couldn't see the teen because the sun was in his eyes. Granite School District says this serves as a warning that drivers need to be cautious especially now that school back is session.
"Just be extra careful when in school zones and areas, especially when lighting is a little unusual," said Ben Horsley, spokesman for Granite School District.
Zollinger wants drivers to pay attention and hopes what happened to grandson, doesn't happen to anyone else.
"No kids should get hit going across the street in a crosswalk going to school. No more injured kids, no more kids going down because you weren't paying attention, slow down, be aware of your surroundings," said Zollinger.
The family says Trevor is an avid French horn player, but it will be some time before he is able to play his instrument.
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Story compiled with contributions from Anne Forester and Andrew Adams. ---
