Traffic & Transit
Teen Struck By Vehicle In Bristow, Driver Charged: Police
A 16-year-old was hit by a vehicle in Bristow on Friday morning, authorities said. A driver has been charged with hit and run.
BRISTOW, VA — A 16-year-old was hit by a vehicle in Bristow on Friday morning, the Prince William County Police Department told Patch.
The child received treatment at the scene for injuries that were not life-threatening, police officials said. The county's firefighters association reported that the victim was flown to an area trauma center.
Police officials did not identify the driver on Friday. The driver is charged with one count of hit and run, according to authorities.
Find out what's happening in Manassasfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
If convicted, the driver could face up to 10 years in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines.
The police department did not provide details about the crash on Friday. A police spokesperson noted that the driver initially left the scene after the crash. Investigators later located them and charged them with hit and run.
Find out what's happening in Manassasfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Fatal pedestrian crashes are down this year throughout Virginia, the commonwealth's Department of Motor Vehicles said in a recent news release. Through September, fatalities were down by 20.5 percent.
"If you choose to walk, take the time to cross at an intersection, wait for the signal and make eye contact with the driver to make sure they plan to stop," DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey said in an October news release.
The DMV Pedestrian Task Force established the following tips to help people stay safe while walking:
- Be predictable, follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
- Plan a route with safe crossings.
- Avoid distractions, alcohol and drugs, and be alert.
- Wear reflective clothing and carry a blinking light or flashlight at night.
- Walk on sidewalks facing traffic. If there’s no sidewalk, walk facing traffic as far from traffic as possible.
- Watch for cars backing up, especially in parking lots and driveways.
- Cross at crosswalks or intersections – where drivers expect pedestrians. While crossing, look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right, and make eye contact with turning drivers before proceeding when possible.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
