Minor injuries in early morning accident

Times Reporter 

 

An accident early Monday, Jan. 20 saw a nine-year-old boy struck by a southbound truck while on his way to school. The child, Ricky, was already in the crosswalk on Westchester Road when the accident happened. 

“I don’t believe excessive speed was a factor, I think there was a combination of poor road conditions, her windshield being obscured and maybe just not taking the time to think and realize where she was, and the time of day, and that there’s kids walking all around that area all the time,” said Const. Tyler Griffiths with the Strathmore RCMP.  

The driver, a woman in her early 20s, was charged with failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. 

Ken Hitch, who lives down the road, witnessed the accident. 

“It was kind of a shocker. I was sitting in my truck in front of the house waiting for my teenager to come out. I watched him walk by and cross the road and cross the next one and then boom he went flying (down the ice) about 10 feet. I put it (the truck) in drive and flew down the street,” said Hitch. 

Ricky was hit on the left side of his body. He was fortunate in that he sustained only minor injuries, some bruising and scrapes. He was released from the hospital later that same day. The doctor said Ricky was very lucky to have not broken anything. 

Since the accident, crosswalk signs have been put up, but Stuart Bruer, Ricky’s dad, isn’t sure that would have really made a difference. 

“I wish she had of been paying attention. She’s lucky and we’re lucky. I think I am more lucky than she is because it is my son,” said Bruer.

He is upset that there isn’t a sidewalk there for the kids to walk along and would like to see the times change for the school zone. He would also like to see people not park so close to the crosswalks since the cars also block the view of the kids from other drivers, and because it cuts down the space the kids are able to walk on. 

One thing he is grateful for – other than the fact his son is home safe and sound even if he is a little sore – is the fact that there are a lot of good people in town and at Westmount School. 

“We’ve got a lot of good people, from the school to the bus driver that ran out with a blanket for my mom and Ricky,” said Bruer. 

“You don’t always get that, people are often quick to look as they drive by but not too often to stop and stay. It is nice to see that there were people there thinking and wanting to help.”

He wanted to thank all of the people that stopped and made a difference Monday morning. 

It’s important to always remember there could be kids crossing the road any time, especially near schools and playgrounds. Always watch your speed and keep that in mind. 

“I would just tell them to make sure they’re aware of their surroundings and the road conditions. It can be icy from now until spring hits so just take your time and always be watching because you never know when somebody is going to be walking out in front of you,” said Griffiths about his advice to the public.

“It could have been much, much worse so we are fortunate he wasn’t hurt worse than he is.”