Hit someone today..... :(

[ifti]

I was driving normally - at about 20-25mph down a pretty open road - on my way to work.
The reason I was driving so slow is because I was very close to a secondary school, with students all around etc - hence the reason why I always drive slow down that road.

As I was driving, 2 female school students walked out in front of me. I slammed on the breaks and beeped my horn, but as they stepped out right in front of the car, it was too late.

One of the girls managed to jump back to the pavement. The other must have been confused and jumped further into the road. My front driver side hit her.

It wasnt a hard hit, since she didnt go right down - just fell to her knees and got back up. She stumbled a little and then fell - in shock.

I was also obviously shocked by what had happened. I pulled over to the side and rushed over to her.

A small crowd gathered and her friend rang for an ambulance.

As we waited, the person who was driving behind me, who had also stopped, stated it wasnt my fault as I was only doing 20-25mph, and the students stepped out in front of me - so there was nothing I could have done. Other witnesses said the same.

Ambulance and police arrived.

The girl only had a slight graze on her knee, but was otherwise fine.

I was read my rights, then breath tested. Insurance/license etc were checked, and a statement was taken.
The officer also took a look at my car and saw no damage at all - not even a slight mark/scratch etc - so I obviously only just bumped her slightly.

The police officer told me not to worry, as it was quite obvious the girls were not looking before they crossed the road.

Ive been sent home from work, as I was a little shaken up. Just wondering what happens next now, or whether I should expect any further contact??

The girl is fine, as I said, and all witnesses state I wasnt at fault and was driving slowly etc.
I believe the girl has also said herself that she didnt look before she crossed.

Ive never been in any police trouble before - never even been pulled over for a document check etc, so not sure what to expect next??

[Rhyso]

i wouldn't have thought you would hear any more about it.

If the police were happy that you weren't speeding, not under influence of alcohol etc then they have no case to prosecute you

good on you for taking that little extra care 

[neo66]

I wouldn't worry too much as its clearly not your fault, I drive past a few schools and the kids alot of the time dont even bother to look (as if their askin for it!) even tho they can take the bridge over the road!
In my opinion the girl should be the one that should be breatherlised etc, us motorists get it a bit hard when situations like this occur!

[Len]

Sholdnt be a problem, but wont know for certain until after 28 days!

[R32UK]

If you were going faster you might not have found yourself in that situation

Only kidding of course.

Sounds like your in the clear though mate, I wouldnt worry about it. Plus you have done the important thing of writing down what happened during the incident, similar to a statement. Even if it is on a forum, atleast you wont lose it

[Hurdy]

It must be unnerving having something like that happen. I've had a couple of near misses over the years with people not looking where they are going, but never actually hit anyone. Don't worry about it.

[Mikester]

Just hope that when that girl gets home and tells her family, that her statement stays the same mate.....

Did any of the other witness's give statements?

[ifti]

Cheers guys - yeh I wanted to write it all down here as its a record, and also wanted your opinions as to what happens next.

I contacted the school to enquire about the student. Seems the student had a very slight graze. She wanted to stay in school, but the school felt she should go home just in case, so contacted her parents. By the time her parents came, the mark on her leg had dissappeared anyway. Her mother then had a go at her for crossing the road without looking - hence there is no blame on my part from the parents etc also.

So looks like all is fine. Just gave me a bit of a fright I guess. I mean, Im always careful when driving down that road anyway, as I know what kids can be like - Im not the type to put my foot down in front of a bunch of kids to try to show off etc! Guess it paid off!

Ive had a close call before, when an old woman stepped out into the road a few years back. Think she was deaf as well as she didnt even flinch when I horned at her! Never actually hit anyone, until today. Just grateful no-one was seriously injured. Guess we all live and learn.

On another note - never been breath tested before - may keep the tube as a reminder

[ifti]

Just hope that when that girl gets home and tells her family, that her statement stays the same mate.....

Did any of the other witness's give statements?

Seems as though she has taken full blame etc though, and the parents know it was her fault.
There were several witnesses.  One witness was the lady that was in the car behind me. She confirmed that I was well under the speed limit, and that it was the teenager's fault for running into the road without looking.
Another witness left her phone number before the police arrived as she had to leave. Pretty sure she will say the same.

Was thinking of maybe popping into the school tomorrow with a box of chocs or somet for the teen, and see if she's OK. I mean, I know it was completely her fault for running in front of me without looking, but I still feel bad for hitting her even though it couldnt be helped.

[smartypants]

I wouldn't worry too much as its clearly not your fault, I drive past a few schools and the kids alot of the time dont even bother to look (as if their askin for it!) even tho they can take the bridge over the road!
In my opinion the girl should be the one that should be breatherlised etc, us motorists get it a bit hard when situations like this occur!

Spot on.

Feel for you ifti - you immediately feel the criminal in the situation when you shouldnt be at all. More work should be done to prosecute careless pedestrians