Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
A Taylorsville High School student was critically hurt in an auto-pedestrian accident this morning.
Witnesses say the boy and three friends were running south across the crosswalk at 5400 South and 1500 West when he was hit by a car. The force of the impact carried the boy across the intersection.
Witnesses say the boys were in a crosswalk, but witness Vinay Cardwell says they were crossing against the light. "The first thing I thought was, why are these kids running across the street? And I was thinking to myself, a gut feeling, like something bad's going to happen," he said.
The 17-year-old suffered head injuries and was taken to Intermountain Medical Center in critical condition. Police originally said there were conflicting reports about whether the group crossed with or against the traffic light.
Though police say drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks regardless of the traffic light, they say those pedestrians need to be careful too.
"Don't assume that a motorist is going to stop for you. If you're entering into a crosswalk, make sure that roadway is clear before you enter the crosswalk," said Taylorsville police Detective Shannon Bennett.
A major accident investigation team from the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office is working with Taylorsville police in the investigation. Because the teen darted out in front of the car, the driver will not be cited.
E-mail: mgiauque@ksl.com
E-mail: syi@ksl.com
