Freehold, NJ (February 20, 2026) – A mother and her two young children were hurt on Friday afternoon after an SUV struck them outside a preschool in Freehold. The crash happened around 3 p.m. as the family was leaving Bloom Academy on South St.
Surveillance video shows the mother, identified as Patrice Pisani, walking out of the school with her two sons and heading toward their car. At the same time, a gray SUV approached the front of the building. The vehicle, reportedly driven by another parent picking up a child, veered out of control and hit the family.
Video footage shows Pisani grabbing her older son with one hand and reaching toward her younger child as the SUV slammed into them. The impact knocked Pisani and her youngest son to the ground. Staff members and other parents rushed outside to help moments later.
Pisani’s youngest son suffered a leg injury and burns from the vehicle’s undercarriage after a tire struck his leg and knocked off his shoe. He is receiving treatment for those injuries. Pisani sustained back and neck injuries in the crash.
The SUV also damaged a column near the preschool’s entrance and destroyed a plastic railing leading to the building. The police arrested the driver and charged them with driving while intoxicated.
The incident remains under investigation. We are thinking of the family as they continue to recover.
What Happens When a Vehicle Crashes Near a School Entrance
Crashes outside schools can raise concerns about pedestrian safety, especially during busy pickup hours. In the afternoon, parents and children often gather near entrances, parking lots, and curbside areas, increasing foot traffic.
When a vehicle loses control in these zones, even low-speed impacts can cause serious harm. Children are especially vulnerable due to their height and proximity to vehicle bumpers and tires. Burns and leg injuries are not uncommon when contact is made with hot engine parts or undercarriage components.
Damage to school property, such as entrance columns or railings, can also highlight how quickly a situation can escalate. Many schools review traffic flow, parking patterns, and supervision procedures after such incidents to help reduce future risks.
Busy pickup periods require careful driving, reduced speeds, and full attention from motorists to help keep families safe near school grounds.
