Parents of Medina child hit by car advocate for safety changes
MEDINA, Ohio (WJW) – With a thumbs up from his hospital bed, 9-year-old Landon is on the mend after being struck by a car on the way to school.
Just days after the terrifying ordeal, caught on video at Medina’s Public Square Tuesday, his parents are advocating for safety changes to protect children.
Shannon Estremera and John McKay created an online petition to gain public support in their effort to install crossing guards at busy intersections and increase the number of flashing crosswalk lights. Their son was in the crosswalk when he was hit.
“We know it’s not a school zone but it’s so close to the school and there’s a lot of kids that have to go through the square to get to school,” said Estremera.
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The driver who struck Landon did not have a license. According to Medina’s Assistant Law Director Matthew Lanier, the driver will be charged with not having a valid license, a suspended license and hitting a pedestrian in the crosswalk.
Landon returned to school Friday, but his father said he is still shaken by the ordeal.
“Usually he’s a little more outspoken and more lively, but he’s been a lot more reserved walking to school quiet, just not himself, really,” he said.
Medina City Schools superintendent Aaron Sable said crossing guards are stationed at the square, but only closer to Garfield Elementary. He said filling positions is a challenge given employee shortages and the part-time role of a crossing guard.
“In the coming year, our redistricting plan will ensure that Garfield students receive school transportation on our buses, which means they won’t have to cross the intersections on the square,” Sable stated. “The safety of our students is a top priority, and we’ll be reviewing our procedures and personnel for the remainder of the school year.”
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In the meantime, Landon will continue to walk to school, his parents said, due to their work schedules. They pleaded for drivers to use more caution.
“A lot of this happened because people are being careless,” said Estremera. “They’re speeding, they’re on their phones, they’re not looking around, you know, kids are going to school and you really need to pay attention. We’re really lucky it wasn’t worse.”
Medina police said in recent years at least three people, including one of their officers, were struck at crosswalks in the square.
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