Centralia, IL (May 23, 2026) – A 12-year-old boy was injured on Thursday evening after a bicycle collision with a vehicle in Centralia, according to police.
The crash occurred around 7:30 p.m. on May 22, near 5th Street and Poplar Street. Police said the teen bicyclist cut across 5th St and entered the path of a car, resulting in the collision.
The boy was taken to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The driver, 48-year-old Bette Simmons-Young of East Kell St, was not injured in the crash.
Emergency units assisted at the scene. No further details about the circumstances leading up to the collision were immediately released.
Investigators are continuing to review what led to the bicycle crash in Centralia. We are thinking of the injured child and wish him a smooth recovery.
Why Bicycle-Vehicle Collisions Usually Happen at Intersections
Bicycle crashes involving vehicles frequently occur at street intersections or where riders cross traffic lanes. Sudden movements into a roadway can reduce the time drivers have to react, especially in areas with limited visibility.
Children are particularly vulnerable in these situations due to their smaller size and the difficulty they have in being seen by approaching drivers. Even low-speed impacts can result in injury when a rider is thrown from a bicycle.
After these types of crashes, investigators typically review crossing behavior, driver visibility, and roadway design. These factors help determine how the collision occurred and what may have contributed to the outcome.
