THUNDER BAY -- Police say a six-year-old boy had a close call after being struck by a passing motorist as he attempted to cross Queen Street just after the supper hour on Wednesday night.
The youngster had partially crossed the road, stopped momentarily on the median and then tried to traverse the remaining two southbound lanes when his leg was hit by a vehicle driven by a 22-year-old woman.
The boy was not in a crosswalk at the time of the incident, which took place at about 6:30 p.m.
He was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
Police said the incident is a warning to pedestrians and drivers across Thunder Bay.
Traffic Sgt. Glenn Porter said vehicles traveling above the speed limit are unable in most cases to stop in time if someone bolts out in front of them.
But pedestrians must also obey the rules of the road and cross at designated crosswalks and intersections.
Median crossing, also known as a chicken run, Porter said, is incredibly dangerous.
“Drivers who believe it courteous to stop and provide further passage to the pedestrian, very often will unwittingly form a screening device for motorists coming up from behind in the next lane. Neither the pedestrian nor approaching driver has a clear view to see each other,” Porter said in a release issued on Friday.
Porter also reminded parents and guardians that children need close supervision at or near any roadway.
“The same often applies to adults who behave like small children – someone needs to make sure they are supervised,” Porter said.
Police said no charges have been laid.