A 16-year-old boy is currently fighting for his life after being struck by a vehicle while crossing the road late at night in Kirrawee, located in Sydney’s south. This incident occurred just before midnight when the teen and three friends reached a pedestrian refuge on the Princes Highway. In a split-second decision, the boy hesitated and then attempted to dash across the road during a brief gap in traffic.
Unfortunately, as he crossed, he was hit by a car that had a green light and could not stop in time. The impact sent him flying several metres, landing approximately 40 metres down the road. Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang, prompting them to come outside and find the young boy lying on the road.
Despite immediate assistance from his friends, the boy sustained severe head injuries and internal trauma, necessitating urgent transport to St George Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition. The 20-year-old driver of the vehicle, who was on a provisional licence, was treated for shock at the scene. Initial investigations by local police have found no evidence suggesting the driver was at fault, as she passed a roadside alcohol and drug test.
Community members have raised concerns about the safety of the pedestrian crossings in the area. One resident noted that the six-lane highway’s traffic lights do not allow pedestrians to cross safely in one go, requiring them to pause in the middle of the road, which increases the risk of accidents as people may choose to rush across when they see a potential gap in oncoming traffic. This instance has sparked a broader dialogue about pedestrian safety measures and the design of crossings on busy roadways.