A teenager was killed this afternoon (Wednesday) after being struck by a truck outside a shopping center in Fairfax City.
Fairfax City police officers and a medic with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department were dispatched to 3985 Pickett Road at 2:32 p.m. for the crash, according to scanner traffic.
“Preliminarily information is the large truck was observed to be leaving the shopping center when it struck the juvenile riding on a bicycle,” the City of Fairfax Police Department said in a news release. “A vehicle of interest, and driver, were located nearby.”
The 13-year-old bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which appears to have occurred around the drive aisle between Fair City Mall and Turnpike Shopping Center near the Main Street intersection.
The crash remains under investigation by Fairfax City police, which is receiving assistance from the Fairfax County Police Department’s Crash Reconstruction Unit.
“This remains an active investigation and additional information will be released as appropriate,” Fairfax City police said, adding that anyone with information about the crash can contact the detective on the case at 703-385-7924.
The 13-year-old was one of three students involved in vehicle crashes today while riding a bicycle or scooter, according to Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid.
Reid didn’t identify which school the students attended, but she said one of the crashes resulted in the death of a middle school student.
“My heart is with the student’s family, friends, classmates, teachers, and the entire school community as we confront this heartbreaking loss,” Reid said in a message to FCPS families and staff. “I am asking our entire community to pause this evening.”
It’s unclear whether any of the crashes occurred directly at schools, but concerns about unsafe travel conditions around schools have been heightened since the new school year started on Aug. 24 with no more crossing guards at public high schools.
After a student was hit by a car while walking to South Lakes High School last week, the Fairfax County Police Department restored crossing guard services at 10 schools where they had been removed, at least on a temporary basis until the Board of Supervisors makes a decision on longer-term funding.
An assessment presented to the school board at a work session on Tuesday (Sept. 8) found that increased congestion around kiss-and-ride areas is creating safety issues at many schools.
Reid urged community members to “pause and think” about the steps they can take to keep students and other travelers safe:
In partnership with the Fairfax County Police Department we ask everyone in our community to keep these safety reminders in mind:
- Drivers: Slow down and obey posted speed limits, stay alert for students at crosswalks, sidewalks, and bus stops, and put phones and other distractions away.
- Students walking to school: Use sidewalks and designated crosswalks whenever possible, look carefully before crossing, and make sure drivers see you before entering the roadway.
- Students biking or riding scooters: Wear a properly fitted helmet, follow traffic signs and signals, use bike lanes or designated paths when available, and stay alert for vehicles, pedestrians, and other riders.
- Everyone: Be especially attentive around schools, intersections, crosswalks, bus stops, and parking lots, where many different forms of transportation come together.
I encourage families to take time tonight to talk with your children about how they travel to and from school and review these important safety practices together.
And tomorrow, please slow down, stay alert, and look out for one another. A few extra moments of care can make an enormous difference.
