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WALLINGFORD, New Haven County, Conn., Oct. 14, 2026 — A girl riding her bike was injured Tuesday afternoon, October 13, when an SUV struck her and fled the scene near Washington Street and Hosford Street in Wallingford. The driver had not been located as of Tuesday evening, according to the report.
The crash happened just after 4 p.m. The girl was taken to a nearby hospital with what was described as a possible head injury.
The SUV involved has been described only as an SUV of unknown make and model.
Police continue to search for the vehicle and driver involved. We hope the injured girl recovers fully.
Who Faces the Greatest Risk When Riding a Bike
Young riders and pedestrians are often the most exposed in crashes involving bikes and motor vehicles, in part because they can be harder for drivers to spot at intersections and in part because children may not judge vehicle speed and distance as reliably as adult riders. Afternoon and early evening hours, when kids are commonly out riding after school, see a steady share of these crashes.
Older cyclists face their own risks, often tied to slower reaction times and a higher chance of serious injury from a given impact. Adult riders commuting in traffic are more exposed to vehicles turning across their path, a common cause of car-bike collisions at intersections.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 22 percent of pedalcyclists who died had blood alcohol concentrations of .01 g/dL or higher in 2023. The figure is a reminder that impairment plays a role in cyclist deaths generally, even though it has not been cited as a factor in this case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What usually causes crashes between cars and bikes?
Common factors include drivers failing to see a cyclist, turning or merging without checking for riders, speeding, and distraction. Poor visibility and riders entering roadways or crosswalks unexpectedly also contribute.
Where do most of these collisions occur?
Intersections are the most common location, particularly where a vehicle is turning left or right across a bike lane or crosswalk. Driveways and midblock crossings are also frequent sites.
What is "dooring," and why is it a hazard?
Dooring happens when someone in a parked car opens a door into the path of a passing cyclist, often with little or no warning. It can cause a rider to crash into the door or swerve into traffic, and it is a leading cause of bike injuries in areas with on-street parking.
How can cyclists reduce their exposure to traffic?
Riding predictably, using lights and reflective gear, making eye contact with drivers at intersections, and avoiding blind spots near larger vehicles all help. Wearing a helmet does not prevent a crash but can reduce the severity of a head injury.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Wallingford, CT
Call 911 right away so police and medical help can respond, even if injuries seem minor at first. Head injuries in particular can take time to show symptoms, so anyone involved in a bike crash should be evaluated by a doctor the same day.
Try to note details while they're fresh: the time, direction of travel, and any description of the vehicle or driver, including partial plate numbers if possible. If anyone nearby saw what happened, ask for their contact information before they leave.
File a police report if one hasn't already been started, and ask for a copy once it's available. Keep records of any medical visits, as documentation early on can matter later, regardless of whether the driver is identified.
