This incident occurred in a high-traffic area near Bismarck’s downtown school zone—highlighting critical concerns over crosswalk safety, school-zone alertness, and driver behavior in the city of Bismarck. Crosswalk accidents involving minors have long been a focus for local traffic safety campaigns and school district liaison efforts.
School officials say the district is offering support services for students and staff impacted by the event.
The driver remains cooperative and no charges have been announced at this time.
Local motorists and pedestrians alike should be reminded of these preventive measures:
Slow down in school zones and areas with high foot-traffic.
Always yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.
Avoid distractions while driving in downtown districts.
Schools and districts should review their arrival and dismissal procedures, especially around major roadways like 7th Street.
“Our thoughts are with the student and her family, and we’re grateful her injuries appear non-life-threatening,” said a spokesperson for the Bismarck Police Department.
“We encourage all drivers to stay alert in school zones – many students walk or cycle during arrival and dismissal,” added the school district’s Student Services director.
The Bismarck Police Department will review the available video footage, pedestrian signal timing, and driver statements. Meanwhile, the school district may conduct a safety audit of the nearby crosswalk and arrival/dismissal traffic flow.
Stay tuned for updates as charges (if any) are filed, as more details about the student’s recovery emerge, and as local traffic-safety measures potentially are revised.
This incident serves as a timely reminder that even in familiar zones like downtown Bismarck near school grounds, the risk to young pedestrians remains real. Communities—drivers, school staff, local officials—must redouble efforts to create a safer environment for students on foot, whether crossing 7th Street or any other busy thoroughfare.
