Fallston Teen Hit By Car Walking To School: Police

FALLSTON, MD — A teen walking to Fallston High School was hit by a car Friday morning, prompting Maryland State Police to remind pedestrians and drivers to be alert near schools. The mishap was reported about 7:15 a.m. on MD Rt. 152 (Mountain Road) at Carrs Mill Road in Fallston, according to a news release.

Investigators say a 17-year-old boy, who is a student at Fallston High School, drove to a church on Carrs Mill Road, where he parked and began to walk to school. The student told troopers that he did not see any cars coming when he ran across Rt. 152, but he was struck by a 2006 Hyundai Tucson headed south on Rt. 152.

The Hyndai driver saw the student run out and was able to slow the vehicle, decreasing the severity of the collision, state police said. The student refused medical treatment and went to school.

No charges were filed and authorities didn't release the names of those involved in the accident.

The accident prompted state police to remind both walkers and drivers that pedestrian safety is everyone’s responsibility. Drivers need to be aware that in the morning students may be walking to school or waiting for a bus and vice versa in the afternoon, authorities said, while pedestrians need to be aware of their surroundings, and assume drivers do not see them.

"Parents should speak to their children about the same, and be proactive in their safety, such as wearing reflective material," a news release said.

Here are more school safety tips:

Getting to School

Walkers
● Walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk and you must walk in the street, walk facing traffic
● Before crossing the street, stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming
● Never dart out in front of a parked car
● Never walk while texting or talking on the phone
● Do not walk while using headphones or cell phone
● Parents: Practice walking to school with your child, crossing streets at crosswalks when available

Bike Riders
● Always wear a helmet that is fitted and secured properly
● Children need to know the rules of the road: Ride single file on the right side of the road, come to a complete stop before crossing the street and walk the bike across
● Watch for opening car doors and other hazards
● Use hand signals when turning
● Wear bright-colored clothing

Bus Riders
● Teach children the proper way to get on and off the bus
● Line up 6 feet away from the curb as the bus approaches
● If seat belts are available, buckle up
● Wait for the bus to stop completely before standing
● Do not cross in front of the bus if possible, or walk at least 10 feet ahead until you can see the other drivers
● Drivers, share the road
● Don't block crosswalks
● Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and take extra care in school zones
● Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians
● Never pass a bus loading or unloading children
● The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them to safely enter and exit the bus

Teen Drivers
● Teens crash most often because they are inexperienced. They struggle judging gaps in traffic, driving the right speed for conditions and turning safely, among other things. As your teen becomes a new driver, learn more about what you can do as a parent to keep them safe. The Motor Vehicle Administration has a web page devoted to rookie drivers.

Tips for School
● Encourage children to walk and play with friends, not alone. Tell them to avoid places that could be dangerous such as vacant buildings, alleys, new construction, wooded areas, etc.
● Make sure children take the safest routes to and from school, stores, and friend's houses
● Teach children to walk confidently and to be alert to their surroundings
● Teach children to always take the same way home from school.
● Children should not wear expensive jewelry or clothing to school.
● A child should check in with a parent or trusted neighbor as soon as he/she arrives home from school. Someone should know if he/she is staying late at school.
● Parents should listen carefully to children's fears and feelings about people or places that scare them or make them uneasy. Tell them to trust their instincts. Take complaints about bullies seriously
● Children should be taught to settle arguments with words, not fists or weapons
● Children should be taught never to take guns, knives, or other weapons to school. They should tell a school official immediately if they see another student with a weapon.
● Always have updated policies and practices in place and communicate them often to staff, volunteers and administration.
* Staff should know and understand their duties as mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect. For more information on mandated reporting of child abuse and neglect, please visit: http://dhr.maryland.gov/child-protective-services/reporting-suspected-child-abuse-or-neglect/mandated-reporters/. For additional training on mandated reporting, please visit www.reportabusemd.com.
● Ensure a child is never alone with one adult. Establish the "Rule of 2's" (minimum 2 kids & 2 adults) when moving kids or taking them to the restroom
● Evaluate the physical environment of each room; open up hidden areas & secure private spaces. Make it impossible for an adult to be alone or out of sight with a child
● Establish consistent screening policies for volunteers, staff and individuals working in the school or participating in special event activities

For more information about school safety issues, visit http://safeschoolsmd.org/.

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