‘This could have been tragic’ – 13-year-old on Scooter Struck by Vehicle in Washington Twp., NJ

The police chief of one South Jersey municipality is making a plea to parents after a 13-year-old on a scooter was struck by a vehicle Thursday evening.

Washington Township Police Chief Pat Gurcsik took to Facebook to say that at around 6 PM, a boy on a scooter was hit at the intersection of Egg Harbor Road and Long Bow Drive in front of the Hunt Club.

Nurse Reports Head Injury, Teen Expected to Recover

A registered nurse was first at the scene and reported a head injury.

The boy was taken to Cooper Trauma Center and, "by the grace of God, he sustained only minor injuries."

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Police Chief Shares Safety Plea to Parents

After posting an account of the accident, the chief shared this message:

Our PD had already planned to share a holiday season safety message about the dangers of e-bikes and e-scooters, but last night’s close call is a powerful reminder of just how important this message truly is. They may look like toys but they are not.

Warning Ahead of Holiday Gift Season

The department is urging parents to think twice before purchasing e-bikes or e-scooters for children this holiday season.

While exciting, they can be extremely dangerous, especially on busy roads already filled with Distracted Drivers and heavy traffic.