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Clark County, WA: Child Hit by Car Monday Morning
Battle Ground, WA – An elementary school student was struck by a vehicle Monday morning, October 12, while crossing a roadway to board a stopped school bus near Battle Ground, prompting an urgent safe
By Mason Reid · 2026-10-13T00:59:55.970Z
Battle Ground, WA – An elementary school student was struck by a vehicle Monday morning, October 12, while crossing a roadway to board a stopped school bus near Battle Ground, prompting an urgent safety reminder from authorities in southwest Washington.
According to the Clark County Sheriff 's Office, the school bus had stopped to pick up students when a vehicle approached from the opposite direction.
Instead of stopping as required, the driver reportedly slowed down and continued forward, striking the child as they crossed the roadway toward the bus.
Fortunately, authorities said the student did not suffer serious injuries.
The driver was cited for illegally passing a stopped school bus.
The incident occurred near Battle Ground, a community in Clark County north of Vancouver and within the greater Portland metropolitan area.
The sheriff's office did not specify the student's age, the exact roadway where the collision occurred or whether the child required medical treatment.
Following the incident, deputies issued a public warning emphasizing the importance of stopping for school buses during morning pickups and afternoon drop offs.
"DRIVERS: STOP FOR SCHOOL BUSES!" the sheriff's office wrote in its public safety announcement.
Authorities reminded motorists that school buses operate throughout residential neighborhoods every day, often requiring children to cross streets to reach their designated pickup locations.
Under Washington law, drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses can face fines exceeding $400, according to the sheriff's office.
However, authorities emphasized that the potential consequences extend far beyond financial penalties.
Failing to stop for a school bus can place children directly in the path of moving vehicles, particularly when drivers attempt to proceed around buses during loading or unloading.
Motorists are urged to reduce speeds near schools and residential bus stops, watch for children approaching roadways and obey school bus stopping requirements.
The sheriff's office emphasized that a few seconds of patience can prevent a potentially devastating collision.
No additional injuries were reported in the department's announcement.