Drivers cautioned to be more aware of their surroundings while sharing the road with young pedestrians after a Culver boy was hit by a truck over the weekend.
The family of 11-year-old Elijah Wilson, who was hit on his bicycle north of Culver on Oct. 6, is reminding drivers to stay vigilant of young pedestrians on the side of roadways, with hopes of no other family having to experience the same trauma.
Elijah's mother, Nellita Wilson, said that she had always taught her son about bicycle safety and avoiding cars on the roadways. Her worst nightmare became a reality last Saturday, however, when Elijah had been on a bike ride near their home on 15th Road in Marshall County and was struck by a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado.
The front passenger side of the pickup truck driven by 33-year-old Jacquelyn Boylan had slammed into the boy, throwing him onto the ground and causing severe injuries. Elijah was taken to Culver Community Middle/High School where he was airlifted to a medical care facility in Fort Wayne. Elijah was later transported to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis for further treatment.
Elijah has since been sent home, but Nellita said he has a long road of recovery ahead of him that includes more surgeries in the future. The Wilson family said they are thankful for the continued prayers and support the community has given their family since the accident. A GoFundMe has been set up for the family (www.gofundme.com/f/help-elijah-recover-from-tragic-accident) to help financially as Elijah heal from his injuries.
With fall break next week for many area schools, the Wilsons are pushing for drivers to be more aware of their surroundings while sharing the road with young pedestrians. The Wilsons said things like slowing down, reducing distractions in the vehicle, expecting the unexpected, staying alert behind the wheel, especially around children, is important and can prevent a tragedy.
Elijah's father, Ron Wilson, said complacency behind the wheel is often a huge factor in preventable accidents.
"Complacency is the biggest issue we have as drivers," he said, "Driving the same route home from work or wherever we are going, when it becomes routine and we can have the tendency to zone out. It's all too often we get in a vehicle and zone out, but it can lead to a deadly, life changing mistake."
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