Tempe, AZ (May 9, 2026) – A 7-year-old child was hospitalized on Saturday morning after being struck by an SUV while riding a battery-operated go-kart in Tempe.
Emergency units responded to the intersection of Alameda Drive and College Avenue shortly after 7 a.m. The crash happened near the intersection of Mill and Southern avenues.
According to reports, the child was crossing through a crosswalk with a parent when the driver of an SUV made a right turn and struck the go-kart; the kid was taken to a nearby hospital and was reported to be in stable condition.
Part of the intersection remained closed for a time as crews worked at the scene and investigators gathered information about the accident.
The police continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they are provided.
Our thoughts go out to the victims as we hope for their recovery.
How Turning Vehicles Can Lead to Crosswalk Accidents
Crosswalk accidents often happen when drivers are focused on traffic flow while making turns at intersections. In some cases, a driver may not immediately see a pedestrian, cyclist, or small vehicle entering the crosswalk, especially when making a right turn.
Children riding scooters, bicycles, or battery-operated go-karts can be harder to notice because they sit lower to the ground than standard vehicles. Busy intersections and early morning traffic may also reduce reaction time for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Roadway safety experts often stress the need for drivers to check crosswalks carefully before turning. Visibility, vehicle speed, and intersection layout can all affect how quickly a driver notices someone crossing the street. Crosswalk markings and traffic controls are intended to help separate vehicles from pedestrians, but collisions can still occur when visibility or timing is compromised.
