Seek Signal After Girl Is Hit By Car

Calls for the installation of a stoplight at a Myrtle Avenue intersection in Glendale have been raised by local residents and activists after a recent accident in which an 11-year-old girl was struck and injured by a car as she attempted to cross the street.

The victim was reportedly hospitalized with injuries that were not considered life-threatening, police reported.

According to law enforcement sources, the accident occurred at around 3:20 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11 at the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and 71st Place.

Reportedly, the 11-year-old girl was crossing Myrtle Avenue when she was struck by a 2004 Toyota operated by a man that was traveling eastbound on the avenue.

Despite hitting the brakes after seeing the child several feet away, police reported, the driver was unable to avoid the run in with the youngster.

Members of the 104th Precinct responded to the scene with emergency medical technicians who transported the injured girl to a local hospital.

The driver of the Toyota was issued a citation for operating a vehicle without insurance after he failed to produce an insurance card at the scene, authorities said.

In the wake of the accident, State Sen. Serphin Maltese—whose Glendale district office is located near the scene—issued a statement calling on the city Department of Transportation to have a traffic light installed at the intersection to prevent future incidents.

Maltese reportedly sent a letter to the Queens Commissioner of the DOT, Maura McCarthy, asking for the installation of the traffic control device as soon as possible. It was noted that several local residents and business owners have also signed and distributed petitions asking the DOT to do the same.

"Too many accidents have occurred and we need to take action now before another innocent pedestrian is injured, or tragically killed, trying to cross Myrtle Avenue," Senator Maltese said in a press release. "The city and Commissioner McCarthy have assured me that they will be responsive and cooperate with our community on this important initiative."