15-year-old girl hospitalized after being hit by vehicle in Dearborn

In Dearborn, Michigan, a tragic incident involving a pedestrian occurred on a Friday morning when a 15-year-old girl was struck by an SUV while following pedestrian signals at a crosswalk. The accident happened shortly after 7:35 a.m. at the intersection of Ford and Schaefer roads. The teenager, a student at Fordson High School, was taken to a nearby hospital where she remains in critical condition. The driver of the vehicle, identified as a 19-year-old from Dearborn, reportedly ran a red light and was also found to have illegally tinted windows. Local authorities are actively investigating the crash and have stated that speed was likely a contributing factor. As the investigation unfolds, police have announced their intention to pursue charges against the driver involved. The girl’s family, school community, and local officials have expressed their hopes for her recovery, while the police continue to urge local drivers to remain vigilant and observe traffic laws to prevent further tragedies. In response to increasing incidents of reckless driving, including this tragic scenario, city officials are implementing measures aimed at enhancing safety on Dearborn roads. Mayor Abdullah Hammoud highlighted the city's significant efforts to combat reckless driving, noting an unprecedented number of vehicle tows for traffic violations this year alone. They are advocating for stricter penalties for offenders and are also in the process of erecting new traffic-calming infrastructure, such as stop signs with flashing lights and speed bumps. Furthermore, community engagement plays a critical role in this initiative. Mayor Hammoud pointed out that they aim to foster discussions with parents and guardians about the responsibilities of young drivers, specifically targeting the demographic most likely to receive traffic citations—young male drivers between the ages of 16 and 24. The city is hopeful that through these combined efforts, they will cultivate a safer driving environment and reduce the odds of similar incidents occurring in the future.