ROCHESTER – Police are urging drivers and cyclists to exercise caution after a crash on Friday night sent a teenager to hospital with serious injuries.
A 17-year-old was struck by a white 2011 Nissan Altima around 10:30 p.m. at the intersection of Brock Street and Columbus Avenue, police say.
Rochester Police, Fire and Frisbie EMS crews responded. The teenager was taken to Portsmouth Regional Hospital and later Boston Children’s Hospital, police say.
The investigation is ongoing, police said, but they believe the bike was crossing Columbus Avenue from Brock Street when it was hit by the car. The Strafford County Regional Accident Reconstruction Technical Team assisted, police said.
“There are no charges pending at this time,” Police Capt. Todd Pinkham said. “Neither speed nor alcohol appear to be factors. The injuries are very serious, but do not appear to be life threatening.”
The teenager’s condition on Saturday was not immediately known.
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Police issue safety notice for cyclists
In addition to wearing a properly fitted helmet, Rochester police reminded cyclists to take other precautions.
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If you have to ride at night, advise the police, place reflectors on the front and rear of the bike (white lights on the front and red on the back), in addition to the reflectors on the tires. Wear neon, fluorescent or other bright colors when riding day or night, police said. They also suggested reflective strips or markings or flashing lights on clothing.
Police also noted that “just because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you.”
Police have urged cyclists to obey all traffic rules (traffic lights, signs/signals and lane markings) and to ride with the flow of traffic, not against it.
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