Mt. Pleasant child injured while biking near middle school

MT. PLEASANT — A 7-year-old boy veered off a sidewalk and into the path of a pickup truck Friday, May 16, near Mt. Pleasant Middle School, according to police. The collision, which left the child with non-life-threatening injuries, brings attention to bicycle safety and driver awareness.

According to a recently released statement from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, the incident occurred around 3:57 p.m. in the 400 block of North Adams Street. Police said the child was riding his bicycle southbound on the west sidewalk when he suddenly entered the roadway and was struck by a southbound blue 2011 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Jacob Swailes.

Emergency crews from Henry County EMS responded quickly. The child was conscious and alert, with a scrape and bruising to his face, and was transported to Henry County Health Center for further evaluation.

Police said surveillance footage showed the child turning into the road unexpectedly. They reported no signs of impairment in the driver, and no citations have been issued. The case remains open and assigned to Officer Kyle Vaughn as standard investigative procedures continue.

The incident happened just outside Mt. Pleasant Middle School, where a group of children were riding their bikes in the surrounding neighborhood.

In their statement, MPPD reminded all road users to remain alert and exercise caution, particularly in areas frequented by children.

Although the child’s injuries were not life-threatening, the incident highlights the potential severity of bicycle-related crashes — especially those involving children. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), such collisions can have life-altering consequences. Nearly three-quarters of all bicyclist fatalities occur in urban areas, and children are particularly vulnerable in traffic.

The agency advises that children under 10 should not ride in traffic without adult supervision. NHTSA explains that young children often lack the judgment and awareness needed to navigate complex traffic environments.

Parents can support their children’s safety by building good riding habits early — practicing together in low-traffic areas like parks or empty parking lots and consistently reinforcing basic traffic rules in a calm, supportive setting.

NHTSA encourages parents to treat bicycling not just as play, but as a traffic activity that requires preparation and caution. Children should ride with both hands on the handlebars — except when signaling a turn — stay free of distractions, and stop at corners to look left, right, and left again before entering a street.

In certain situations, such as when crossing busy roads or for younger children who may lack the skills to safely navigate traffic, walking bikes across intersections is recommended. Older or more experienced cyclists may ride through intersections if they follow the same traffic rules as motorists, including obeying signals and yielding when required. Making eye contact with drivers whenever possible can also help ensure they are seen before crossing.

Proper gear is another key component of safety. Helmets should always be worn, fit snugly, and sit level on the head. Bright or reflective clothing improves visibility, particularly during lowlight conditions such as dawn, dusk, or poor weather.

Drivers also play a critical role in preventing crashes like this one. No motorist wants to find themselves in the position of unintentionally striking a child.

To help avoid such situations, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises drivers to slow down in school zones and residential neighborhoods, where children are more likely to be riding or playing near the street.

Additionally, motorists should stay alert at intersections, when backing out of driveways, and especially when turning right on red — common moments when children can be difficult to see. Yielding to bicyclists as they would to other vehicles, giving them plenty of space, and minimizing distractions behind the wheel can significantly reduce the risk of a collision.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com