MIRAMAR, Broward County, FL, Sept. 22, 2026 — Three teenage girls were struck by a car Tuesday morning, September 22, while walking through a marked crosswalk near Miramar Parkway and Douglas Road, according to the authorities. One of the girls suffered serious injuries and remains under medical care, while the other two were not seriously hurt, officials said.
Police said the driver of a Dodge Challenger hit the girls as they crossed in the marked crosswalk. The three, ages 15, 16 and 17, are reportedly students at Miramar High School, according to a local television report.
Officers initially said two of the girls, ages 15 and 17, were taken to a hospital as trauma alerts. Police later revised that account, saying two of the girls had no significant injuries and that the third sustained more serious injuries. Her condition has not been released.
The crash forced a partial road shutdown near the intersection while investigators worked the scene, causing heavy traffic delays. The authorities stated the driver remained at the scene and told investigators he had a green light. The teens told officers they had a walk signal, according to the report. The conflicting accounts remain under investigation.
No arrests or citations had been announced as of Tuesday. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and did not release further details on the cause of the crash.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
Why Crosswalks Near Schools Become Flashpoints for Pedestrian Crashes
Crosswalks are always risky because they force two independent decisions, a driver's read of a signal and a pedestrian's read of the same signal, to line up at the exact same moment. When either side misjudges timing, a green light and a walk signal can appear to conflict even though the system is working as designed. That gap in perception, not necessarily a broken light, is what investigators are left sorting out after a crash like this one.
Traffic volume near schools adds another layer. Students that move in groups, drivers that glance at phones or mirrors, and vehicles that turn across a crosswalk all compress into narrow windows before and after the first bell. A driver focused on a light up ahead may not register a pedestrian stepping off the curb, especially if a turn is involved.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,314 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2023. Many of those deaths happened at or near intersections, where turning vehicles and crossing pedestrians share the same small stretch of pavement at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does vehicle speed affect a pedestrian's chances of survival?
Speed is one of the biggest factors. A pedestrian struck at lower speeds is far more likely to survive than one hit at higher speeds, because the force of impact and stopping distance both increase sharply as speed rises.
Where do most pedestrian crashes happen?
A large share occur at or near intersections and crosswalks, where vehicle and pedestrian paths cross directly. Many others happen away from marked crossings, in areas with limited lighting or no dedicated crosswalk nearby.
Are pedestrian crashes more common after dark?
Yes. A majority of pedestrian deaths nationally happen at night, when visibility is lower for both drivers and people on foot, even at lit intersections.
What should a pedestrian do immediately after being hit by a car?
Stay as still as possible and ask someone to call 911, even if injuries seem minor at first. Get a full medical evaluation, since some injuries such as concussions or internal trauma may not be obvious right away, and ask officers for a copy of the police report once it's available.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Miramar, FL
Anyone involved in or witnessing a pedestrian crash should call 911 right away so officers and paramedics can respond. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation is worth getting soon after, since adrenaline can mask pain or hide early symptoms of a more serious injury.
It helps to get the names and contact information of any witnesses before they leave the scene, and to note details like the traffic signal or crossing sign if it's safe to do so. Families of injured teens or children should also ask the school or district about any support resources available while a young person recovers.
Once police complete their report, it's a good idea to request a copy for personal records. Follow-up care, whether physical therapy or ongoing checkups, should be scheduled based on a doctor's recommendation rather than how a person feels in the days right after the crash.