A teen riding a bicycle was struck by a vehicle on Blanding Boulevard and transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.
Thursday, August 22, 2024
A teen riding a bicycle was hit by a car on Blanding Boulevard at around 7 AM and rushed to an Orange Park hospital.
Hit while crossing the intersection
An Orange Park woman driving a red Jaguar was traveling southbound in the left lane on Blanding Boulevard.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, as she approached the intersection of Knight Boxx Road and Oak Lane, a 15-year-old boy on a bicycle was attempting to cross.
The vehicle proceeded through the intersection and struck the teen.
The boy was thrown from his bike and sustained serious injuries. Paramedics responded and transported him to Orange Park Medical Center for treatment.
Officers confirmed that the driver remained at the scene after the collision and stopped to assist.
A separate report also confirmed that the teen was wearing a helmet at the time of the incident.
Prepare for the unexpected around bicyclists
In 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that more than 41,000 bicyclists were injured in traffic-related crashes, and nearly 1,000 were killed.
It’s easy for drivers to become impatient around bicyclists or misread their movements, especially at intersections and crosswalks. This becomes even more unpredictable when the bicyclist is a child or teenager.
The safest approach is to expect the unexpected.
- Slow down when approaching or passing a bicyclist
- Give extra space when driving alongside them
- Pay close attention at intersections and crosswalks
- Watch for sudden or unpredictable movement
These small precautions can make a significant difference in preventing serious accidents.
If you or your child has been involved in a bicycle-related accident, a Jacksonville car accident lawyer can help you navigate insurance issues, investigate what happened, and pursue compensation where appropriate.