A mom accidentally struck her 12-year-old daughter with her car at school drop-off, critically injuring her, officials in Florida said.
The crash occurred at about at 7:45 a.m. Monday when the mom dropped off her daughter on the street near her Sarasota middle school for the first day of school, according to the Florida Highway Patrol and the school district.
The girl was getting out of her mom’s SUV on the passenger side when she dropped her markers and pens, the highway patrol said.
A 12-year-old student was accidentally hit by her mother while driving away after being dropped off outside Booker Middle School in Sarasota, Fla., on Aug. 12, 2024.
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When the 12-year-old bent over to pick up her school supplies from under the car, her mom started driving forward, and the wheels of the SUV struck the girl, the highway patrol said.
The girl was taken to a hospital via helicopter with critical injuries, authorities said. Her condition on Tuesday was not immediately clear.
“The school district encourages all families to follow district & school safety protocols and use the designated student pickup and drop off areas on school campuses,” Sarasota County Schools said in a statement.
In a tragic incident at a school drop-off, officials have reported that a mother accidentally hit her 12-year-old daughter with a car. The incident occurred early in the morning as the mother was dropping off her daughter at school.
According to witnesses, the mother was pulling into the drop-off area when she accidentally hit the gas pedal instead of the brake, causing the car to lurch forward and strike her daughter. The young girl was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries and is currently in stable condition.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant and focused while driving, especially in busy areas such as school drop-off zones. It also highlights the need for parents to take extra precautions when dropping off their children at school, such as double-checking that their foot is on the brake before releasing the gas pedal.
Authorities have stated that the mother is cooperating with the investigation and that no charges have been filed at this time. The incident is being treated as an unfortunate accident, but serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers of distracted or careless driving.
In light of this incident, it is crucial for parents to prioritize safety when dropping off their children at school. This includes following all traffic laws, staying focused on the road, and being aware of their surroundings at all times. By taking these precautions, we can help prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.
Our thoughts are with the young girl and her family as she recovers from this traumatic experience. We hope that this incident serves as a wake-up call for all parents to prioritize safety and vigilance while driving, especially in areas where children are present. Let us all strive to create safer environments for our children, both on the roads and in our communities.
