Sherwood Elementary 2nd grader hit by car

UPDATE: Wednesday, April 3, 6:08 p.m. The words, “please drive carefully,” are written boldly at the entrance of Sherwood Elementary School, but some parents said no one seems to notice. “You do see cars just fly by here with no regard,” said parent, Rebecca Arreola.

Tuesday morning, a second grade student was left severly injured after a car hit him at the intersection of East Alisal Street and Hebbron Avenue. The boy was later flown to Santa Clara Medical Center.

Now more than ever, Salinas City Elementary School District officials are urging drivers to be cautious near their schools. “T hat disrespect for human life in doing that needs to be stopped. If they’re late for work, start five minutes earlier. Protect our kids. We want to teach these kids because they’re our next generation. They’re our future,” said Salinas City Elementary School District Safety Officer, Jerry Stratton.

Although the accident happened a few blocks from campus, some parents said the root of the problem starts on school property. “It’s chaos here. There’s no one really directing traffic. There’s just one person crossing kids at that cross path and that’s it,” said Arreola.

District officials said in recent years they trained staff and volunteers on controlling school traffic. Although once students leave campus, they rely heavily on police to ensure routes are safe for kids. “A police presence of a black and white car will slow people down 10 or 15 miles an hour. I don’t know if speed was an issue. It’s still under investigation. Police presence is key to improving safety of the crosswalks and the paths to school for our kids,” said Stratton.

Salinas Police said they patrol the paths regularly used by students, but safety is ultimately in the hands of both the driver and pedestrian. “Drivers, especially during these hours, when kids are going to school or getting out of school, need to reduce their speed, look at their surroundings, and be aware of what’s happening. On the other hand, we also want to recommend to pedestrians that they also follow the laws,” said Salinas Police Communications Officer, Miguel Cabrera.

Police said the boy is still in the hospital, but is healing from his injuries.

PREVIOUS STORY: A Salinas elementary school student is in the hospital after being hit by a car.

According to a spokesperson for the Salinas City Elementary School District, the second grader was hit as he was crossing the street at Hebbron Avenue and Alisal Street around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 2nd.

According to the district, the boy was on his way to school at Sherwood Elementary. He was with his siblings and other students.

The district said they were told the driver stopped.

The school’s principal sent a letter home to parents notifying them about what happened.

The boy was taken to Santa Clara Medical Center with critical injuries.

KION has reached out to Salinas Police, but have not heard back yet.

This is a developing story.