The first full week of school got off to an anxious start for one Johnson County family this week, after their son was hit while riding a scooter to school in Leawood.
Now, Leawood Police are urging drivers to be cautious, particularly in school zones, to avoid any future collisions.
In a press release Tuesday, Leawood Police Capt. Jason Ahring said the 13-year-old boy who was hit Monday is now back home recovering after being released from the hospital.
It’s not clear the extent of the boy’s injuries. In an initial release on Monday, Leawood Police Chief Brad Robbins said the boy was “alert and talking” when the first officer arrived on the scene near Prairie Star Middle School.
The boy was wearing a helmet when he was hit, Robbins said.
The crash happened around 7:35 a.m. Monday as the boy was riding a motorized scooter to school, traveling westbound on 143rd Street near Mission Road.
The driver of a small SUV going eastbound turned left into the entrance to Prairie Star Elementary School, which neighbors the middle school, striking the boy.
Robbins said the driver remained on the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
Prairie Star Middle School Principal Eric Rembold sent a message to families on Monday, saying, “We immediately called 911 for the student and contacted the student’s family [after the crash.] We are thankful for the quick response from first responders who have provided the student with needed medical attention.”
On Tuesday, Capt. Ahring reminded drivers to take care, especially when navigating school zones.
“With schools back in session, we urge motorists, pedestrians, and students to use extra caution in and around school zones. Please slow down, stay alert, follow traffic laws, and watch for pedestrians. Parents are also encouraged to talk with their children about school-zone safety,” he said.
In February, the Leawood City Council approved an ordinance requiring anyone 18 and under to wear a helmet while riding a motorized scooter.
Other cities, including Olathe, Overland Park, Prairie Village and Shawnee, have all adopted scooter and e-bike rules, including requiring young riders to wear helmets, over the past year or so.
The discussion about scooter safety has carried particular weight in Leawood after a 10-year-old boy was killed last October after being hit while riding a scooter near 103rd Street and Lee Boulevard.
That boy, Duke Ommert, was wearing a helmet when he was hit.
