- Three children in Utah were hospitalized after being hit by vehicles recently.
- Authorities emphasize road awareness as temperatures rise and more kids play outside.
SALT LAKE CITY — Three children from three different cities are in the hospital after being hit by vehicles in separate incidents over the past several days.
All three children are in critical or very serious condition, prompting authorities to stress the importance of staying aware of surroundings on the road.
As temperatures rise, more kids are heading outside — many on scooters, e‑bikes and other electric devices. At Utah Pro Scooter Shop in Sandy, employee and pro rider Kolden Snow said the rush of speed can be fun, but it also comes with risk.
"Kids are all over the streets," he said. "It's the speed … it's an adrenaline. You're going fast."
Snow adds that riders and drivers both need to be paying attention.
"You're going very fast on roads, on sidewalks. And a lot of the times, people are not paying attention when they're driving," Snow said.
That lack of attention has played a role in several crashes this week.
On Wednesday in West Jordan, a 12‑year‑old boy on a scooter was struck by an SUV. On Sunday in Ogden, a 14‑year‑old riding a mini motorcycle was hit by a vehicle. And just this morning in Cedar City, a 7‑year‑old boy was found pinned underneath a vehicle that had been backing up.
Sgt. Kirk Lovell with the Cedar City Police Department said these moments highlight how quickly accidents can happen.
"A couple of minutes of making sure no one is behind them or to the side of them (can prevent tragedy)," he said.
Parents like Jacoby Langlois know the fear well. With two active kids, he said they're outside constantly — and the danger is always on his mind.
"Cars are coming and going. And kids are small," Langlois said.
Police are reminding families that children can easily slip into blind spots or dart unexpectedly into roads or driveways. They urge kids to wear helmets and protective gear and encourage drivers to slow down and stay alert, especially in neighborhoods and high‑traffic play areas.
