Athol Boy Darts Onto Road, Hit By Car

An 8-year-old Athol boy was rushed to the hospital Thursday morning after a car hit him as he ran into the road, sheriff’s officials said.

William J. Stevenson was listed in fair condition at Kootenai Medical Center.

A car struck him near the intersection of Bunco Road and Cedar Mountain Road at about 8 a.m., said Kootenai County Sheriff’s Capt. Ben Wolfinger.

Cortney N. Lester, 19, of Athol, was driving east on Bunco Road. She was driving slower than the posted speed limit of 50 mph, Wolfinger said.

“(The boy) was waiting for the bus and he ran across the street,” Wolfinger said. “She took evasive action the best she could. She swerved and tried to miss him and just caught him with the edge of the car.”

Stevenson suffered multiple fractures, including two broken legs, Wolfinger said.

Sheriff’s officials say Lester did nothing wrong and was not cited.

Wolfinger said children must be reminded to stop and look both ways before crossing the street. And adults need to drive slower than the speed limit when around children.

“In the areas where kids are gathering in the morning, just be aware that kids are unpredictable,” Wolfinger said.

, DataTimes