As both students and parents rush to beat the chaotic after-school traffic, the Granite Bay High School parking lot can quickly turn into a very dangerous place.
On Oct. 10 at approximately 12:30 p.m., an accident involving a student driver and student pedestrian occurred just outside of the bus lanes on Wellington Way.
Less than an hour later, Principal Jennifer Leighton sent out a school-wide email addressing the incident.
“We are very grateful that no one was seriously injured,” Leighton said in the email.
According to eyewitnesses, a student was crossing over a portion of Wellington Way undesignated to be a crosswalk when a car heading northbound approached and slammed on its brakes.
Within minutes, authorities arrived on the scene and assisted both students involved.
Several bystanders also quickly jumped in to provide comfort and assistance to both students.
GBHS counselor Tiffani Gieck accompanied the pedestrian to the hospital where she was treated for a minor leg injury.
As more students start to get their driver’s licenses, Leighton said this incident serves as a reminder of the need for drivers and pedestrians to be extra cautious and aware of their surroundings – not just in the parking lot, but anywhere on the road.
“This is a perfect time to remind all students and parents to use crosswalks and drive slowly and carefully around all schools,” Leighton said in her email announcement, “especially during times of high traffic.”