A seven-year-old girl was involved in a pedestrian accident and seriously injured when she was hit by a car on Tuesday late afternoon. Police say that icy conditions and speed may have been a factor in the accident.

The young girl, a New Castle native, was struck by the car just after 4 p.m. in North Beaver Township on Columbiana Road. The accident happened just southwest of New Castle, a few miles from the Ohio/PA state line. 

Pennsylvania state officials have reported that the little girl was walking along Columbiana Road when the car, driven by a 24-year-old man from New Castle, began to slide out of control. As the car slid, the man attempted to take control and fish-tailed, striking the girl with the rear of his vehicle.

Police say that although the road was covered with snow and ice, the accident may have been avoided if the man driving the car had simply slowed down. While the girl was reported to have serious injuries, according to those on the scene, she was released from the St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown, OH some time on Wednesday. Police are continuing to investigate what happened and have not yet made an official statement.

With December approaching and the holidays on their way, it is extremely important that we take caution on our roadways. Areas such as New Castle, Youngstown, and Erie get hit hard when the snow and ice come, so please exercise your finest driving skills during the upcoming winter months. Although this young girl was released from the hospital the day after the accident, many more are not so lucky. As a pedestrian, and the parents of little pedestrians, always be sure to pay attention to what is going on around you while walking on roadways. Walk against traffic so that you can see what is unfolding ahead of you and try to only walk on streets that have sidewalks. Taking the extra steps to avoid accidents around the holidays will keep you happy, healthy, and enjoying the new year.

Source: New Castle News, "Girl hurt as vehicle slides" 27 November 2013