Apex Teen In Serious Condition After Being Hit By Truck

The accident occurred at the

intersection

of Laura Duncan Road and Highway 64.

Authorities say Daniel Behringer, 17, was walking across Highway 64 when a truck hit him. Officials say the stoplight at the intersection was green and the "Don't Walk" signal on the crosswalk was lit.

"I just saw this red truck come flying by me and the next thing I saw was stuff flying in the air," said witness Mary Ann Graziano.

The impact of the accident knocked Behringer out of his shoes and sent him over 20 feet in the air. The school's assistant principal said Behringer has a broken leg and pelvis.

Some students often cross the street to go to restaurants on the other side of the road.

"Most of the time we are in a hurry, trying to get to the eating places so we just go across. We really don't pay it attention," said student Jareem Chavis.

Juniors and seniors are allowed to leave the school to go to lunch as long as their parents sign a consent form that outlines the dangers of crossing Highway 64.

Some parents, however, say they want more done on the section of Highway 64 near the school.

Carolyn Hriso, a former president of the school's PTSA, says she fought for years to lower the speed limit from 55 mph to 35 mph. Until that is done, she says it is just an accident waiting to happen.

"I'm not surprised at all," Hriso said. "My concern is that it'll continue to happen and next time, two or three students will be walking together that are hurt -- maybe killed.

Still, police say the intersection where Behringer was hit is not a problem intersection. They say that Monday's accident was just the second one of its kind in at least 13 years.