A vehicle struck a 15-year-old girl near Fordson High School, leaving her in critical condition in the latest of several accidents in the area this year.
Authorities have said they are investigating the December 20 incident and will submit their findings to the Wayne County prosecutor’s office for possible charges in the case.
According to police, the girl was legally crossing the intersection of Ford and Schaefer Rd when a Jeep Grand Cherokee travelling westbound collided with her.
Investigators determined through camera footage that the driver, a 19-year-old Dearborn resident, failed to stop at the red light before colliding with the pedestrian, the city said in a statement.
Initial findings also showed that “speed was likely a factor in the collision”.
WXYZ reported that the girl’s family moved from Yemen six months ago and they are praying for her survival.
Traffic accidents and speeding have been a problem in Dearborn for years, especially with many young drivers on the road. While authorities have been installing speed bumps and adding more visible stop signs, the latest incident underscores the persisting issue.
“My heart is with the family of this tragic incident and we will pray that the young student makes a quick and full recovery,” Mayor Abdullah Hammoud said in a statement.
“Tackling speeding and reckless driving remains top priority for our police department. We continue to make investments in a number of traffic calming measures across our neighborhoods.”
He also called on parents to “have serious conversations with young drivers in their household” about responsibility and accountability.
The accident has sparked calls for traffic reforms in Dearborn, especially on Ford Road.
One concerned Dearborn resident told the Yemeni American News that the speed limit should be brought down to 25 miles per hour around Fordson and a pedestrian bridge should be installed to allow students to cross safely.
There were nearly 3,500 traffic accidents in Dearborn last year.
Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin said authorities are using every available resource in the investigation.
“We want to thank area businesses for providing video footage that aided investigators,” Shahin said in a statement.
“Incidents such as these are completely avoidable if drivers adhere to basic traffic safety laws. We will continue to stay vigilant in enforcing those laws on our roads, and will pursue accountability against reckless drivers to bring justice to their victims.”
In August, two people were killed in an apparent high speed crash in the area of Michigan Avenue and Southfield Freeway – an incident police described at the time as a “senseless tragedy”.
