A 12-year-old boy was struck by a vehicle early Thursday morning in Freeport but did not appear to suffer any major injuries, according to state police.
The incident occurred at about 7:15 a.m. at the intersection of Fifth and Washington streets in the borough, troopers said.
A Suzuki Aerio being driven by a 67-year-old Freeport woman was stopped at the intersection as a school bus approached with its lights flashing, troopers said. The car made a turn in the intersection and hit the child.
The child was “shaken up” and transported to UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh as a precaution with minor injuries, according to Trooper Jordan Eckman of the Troop D station in East Franklin, who is investigating the incident.
State police around the area this week participated in Operation Safe Stop in an effort to raise awareness about the rules of the road related to motorists stopping for school buses picking up and dropping off children.
State police said drivers must stop at least 10 feet from a school bus that has the stop sign extended and red lights flashing, regardless of whether they are behind or approaching the bus. When a school bus is picking up or dropping off a child at an intersection, other drivers should stop until the flashing red lights are turned off.
Violations carry a $250 fine and 60-day license suspension, police said.
