FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF News) – The Fort Worth Police Department said it is seeing an increase in hit and run accidents.
In the past month, there have been two accidents involving children under the age of 10.
One accident claimed the life of 7-year-old Aja Hill, who was hit while riding her scooter outside her grandparents house on Barron Lane.
Last Friday, 5-year-old Caroline Muckelroy was hit by a driver as she rode her scooter down River Falls Drive near Precinct Line Road. She suffered a broken leg, ruptured spleen and a minor head injury.
Officer Daniel Segura said the fact that the suspect never stopped gives investigators insight into the driver’s possible mindset.
“There can be many circumstances. Maybe the driver was intoxicated. Maybe the driver had outstanding warrants. In some cases, the drivers go into panic mode and they leave,” he said.
Segura has responded to numerous hit and run accidents. He said too often, the circumstances are dangerous combination of distracted drivers and victims who were playing or walking in the streets.
He said that is why its important for parents to talk to their kids about safe zones.
“The streets are very dangerous. I mean, the drivers are looking out for vehicles. Most of the time, drivers are not looking out for children riding bicycles or skateboards,” said Segura.
He said it’s equally important for drivers to eliminate as many distractions as possible when behind the wheel, especially when driving through residential neighborhoods and safe zones.
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