A 13-year-old student at Rouse High School was hit by a car in the school parking lot Thursday morning during the hustle of student arrivals, as reported by CBS Austin. The incident, which occurred around 8 a.m., resulted in minor injuries for the student, who was swiftly tended to by the school nurse prior to the arrival of emergency services.
According to KXAN, the student was navigating through the parking lot when they were struck. The identity and current condition of the student have not been disclosed, but the Leander Police Department has confirmed that the driver was a 17-year-old student. Rouse High School Principal Vincent Hawkins has responded to the event by urging drivers to exercise patience and caution, especially during the hectic drop-off and pick-up times to avoid such incidents.
Following the accident, Principal Hawkins addressed parents and the school community, emphasizing that student safety is a "top priority" for the school's staff. He assured the increased vigilance of staff during critical times when students are arriving and leaving campus. "The safety of our students is a top priority, and our campus staff will continue to be vigilant during drop-off and pick-up times to help create the safest possible environment," Hawkins stated in his letter, as obtained by KXAN. The principal also reminded the community about the importance of using crosswalks.
Last year, in a move to bolster safety around school zones, the Leander City Council passed an ordinance to install radar display signs in new school zones within the city limits. This action came after the Leander Police Department acknowledged that speeding in school zones had become a prevalent issue. Hawkins reiterated the school’s commitment to flexibility with regard to morning tardiness, stating, "Both Rouse HS and Wiley MS will continue to approach school tardies for the first period of the day with grace and understanding," aiming to ensure that safety is not compromised in the rush to make it to class on time.
