Waukee father calls for safer driving after boy on scooter gets hit by car
A 7-year-old boy remains in the intensive care unit after he was struck by a car as he rode a scooter in his neighborhood, a family spokesperson said to vlog on Wednesday.
At 6 p.m. Aug. 22, Miyom Deng was playing on his scooter on the sidewalk and driveway. He went to cross the street, where he was hit. The impact caused him to be airborne.
Waukee police said the crash is not the driver’s fault, but Miyom’s family disagrees.
The police reports also note that two witnesses saw the child look to the right before entering the roadway, but not to the left before attempting to cross.
"The individual on the scooter was at fault in this crash. Unfortunately, we really need our youth to give appropriate time and attention when they are on bicycles, scooters, e-scooters, etc., to prevent these types of incidents," Waukee Police Chief Chad McCluskey told vlog.
However, Deng's family says the video footage is proof drivers need to be more attentive.
“According to the video evidence, it’s obvious that as young as he is, he almost did whatever person would have done,” says Deng’s father James Aguek.
He says his son looked to the left.
“Even though he positioned himself on the street, attempting, one would assume, and the drive to know that the pedestrian always has the right of way,” he said.
James Aguek says he's also not blaming the driver for the crash, but is calling for more caution on the roadway.
“I am here to advocate for safety because every child should feel safe in their neighborhood,” he says.
The family says, even though Deng is still under medical supervision, the family feels lucky his injuries were not more severe.
They also credit the vigilance of their neighbors and first responders for saving their son's life.