Emergency crews were called to Granville Street in Summerside on Thursday, July 13, in the evening, after reports involving a youngster being hit by a vehicle.
The 11-year-old, who is from Summerside, was rushed to Prince County hospital by EMS shortly after 9:30 p.m., and later airlifted to Halifax with serious injuries.
Witnesses told police: “The victim and a friend were waiting to cross a marked crosswalk, heading east across Granville Street. The vehicles travelling southbound stopped to allow the boys to cross.
“As the boys started to cross the road, a northbound vehicle did not slow down and the boys realized the vehicle was not going to stop.”
The first boy ran back to the sidewalk for safety, but the second boy was too late.
Witnesses reported, “The boy bounced off the hood of the vehicle, and he landed on the road.”
The driver, a 69-year-old man from Quebec, was charged under the Highway Traffic Act for failing to yield right-of-way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
Police are taking the opportunity to remind motorists to be mindful of pedestrian crosswalks and to be extra cautious near parks and playgrounds where children are present.
Summer months are a busy period within the City of Summerside with increased pedestrians and motor vehicle traffic.
Under the Highway Traffic Act of P.E.I., it's an offense if a driver fails to yield right of way to a pedestrian on a crosswalk. The minimum fine for this is $200, with a maximum of $500.
Pedestrians are advised to use extra caution when crossing any roadway and should always use marked crosswalks.
