Child Hospitalized After Being Hit by Car in Upstate New York

A terrifying moment played out Saturday afternoon in Chatham after a 9-year-old child was struck by a vehicle and rushed to the hospital.

Child Hit by Car in Columbia County, NY

According to WTEN, troopers from the New York State Police were called to State Route 295 just after 3:45 p.m. for a reported crash involving a pedestrian in Columbia County, NY.

When they arrived, they learned that a vehicle traveling westbound had hit a young child who had reportedly entered the roadway from the northern shoulder.

Police said that the driver did try to avoid the child, but there simply wasn’t enough time to stop. It’s one of those situations that happens in an instant and leaves everyone involved shaken.

Child Injured

Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, and the child was transported to Albany Medical Center in Albany, NY, for treatment. Thankfully, police say the injuries appear to be non-life-threatening.

There’s no word yet on whether any charges will be filed, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Slow Down & Pay Attention

Stories like this are always tough to hear, especially when it involves a young kid. It’s also a reminder of how quickly something can go wrong, whether you’re behind the wheel or just near the road. Kids can move fast and unpredictably, and sometimes drivers are put in situations where there’s just no good outcome.

SEE ALSO: Car Crashes Into a House in Upstate New York

With nicer weather here and more kids out and about, it’s something we all need to be thinking about. Slow down, pay attention, and if you’ve got kids, make sure they understand just how dangerous roadways can be.

All it takes is a split second.