The Dearborn Police Department has announced plans to file charges against a driver accused of hitting a 15-year-old girl while she was walking Friday morning.

The victim, a Fordson High School student, was in critical condition as of Monday evening.

New information has emerged, including what may have caused the December 20 incident on Ford and Schaefer roads. The city is renewing its efforts to curb irresponsible driving.

According to Dearborn police, the 15-year-old had right of way.

“The young lady performed everything properly. She did everything correctly. She crossed at the crosswalk. “She crossed using the proper cross signals,” stated Cpl. Dan Bartok.

Police say the driver of the SUV that allegedly hit her was a 19-year-old from Dearborn with illegally tinted windows.

“Our investigation indicated that the driver of the black Jeep went over a red traffic signal on Ford Road… We’re waiting for more information, but based on our initial inquiry, we’re confident that speed had a role in this disaster as well,” Bartok added.

City authorities said they are working to prevent reckless driving, such as running red lights and speeding.

“We’ve probably towed more cars for reckless driving this year than any other in the city’s history, and we have a zero-tolerance policy,” Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud stated. “When it comes to the courts, we advocate to our prosecutors to hold the drivers accountable, and we plead with our judges and the magistrates to do the same.”

Hammoud said further traffic-calming measures, such as stop signs with flashing lights, would be put across the city. It’s just one tactic the city is employing to fight irresponsible driving.

A million-dollar award will allow the city to install additional stop signs with flashing lights, raised concrete crosswalks like the one in front of Dearborn Peace Park West, and speed bumps like those near Hemlock Park.

“The data came back suggesting that it strongly deterred speeding around those parks and schools,” Hammoud pointed out.

However, officials argue that putting an end to reckless driving will require more than these steps.

“You cannot ticket this issue for resolution. This is why we’re attempting to have a discussion with parents and guardians at home regarding the young drivers. If you look at the citation data, you’ll notice that young male drivers aged 16 to 24 account for the vast majority of fines issued,” Hammoud explained.

Meanwhile, they ask the community to continue praying for the 15-year-old and her family.

Police said their investigation is ongoing, and once completed, the case will be given over to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.

Reference: Dearborn police seeking charges in pedestrian crash that injured 15-year-old student