IONA, Fla. — A 7-year-old girl has serious injuries but is in non-life-threatening condition after being hit by a car on Wednesday afternoon.
According to Florida Highway Patrol, an SUV was going west on Summerlin about 2:20 p.m. when the child ran directly into its path.
The front of the SUV struck the girl and knocked her to the ground. She came down on her left side.
FHP says the girl was accompanied by an adult and another child but was at least 300 feet away from the closest designated crosswalk at the time. Trooper Ken Watson said the incident serves as a reminder to keep your children at your side when crossing traffic.
"Most certainly when you have a small child with you and you are crossing the street, please hold their hand," Watson said. "Kids have a habit of darting out in front of us, they're not always doing what they should be doing.
"[The girl] simply thought she could make it across," he continued. "She's very lucky to be alive this morning."
The driver of the SUV stopped on the shoulder nearby and remained at the scene to assist investigators with their inquiries. No charges have been filed at this time.
