Crossing guard hit by vehicle
PrintJANESVILLE--A school crossing guard was hospitalized after she was hit by a vehicle while helping students Friday morning in Janesville.
Police Sgt. Brian Vaughn said Janesville resident Maria Mumbler, 64, was hit by a car on East Racine Street about 7:45 a.m.
Mumbler, of 2944 Carrousel Lane, Janesville, was in the crosswalk at East Racine and South Ringold streets. Vaughn said Mumbler was holding up her hand-held stop sign and preparing to usher students across to St. John Vianney Catholic School when an eastbound, four-door sedan struck her.
Vaughn said initial reports are that the sun was low and may have made it difficult for the driver to see.
“We know the sun was low and bright and it was difficult to see. But it is a school zone, and it (the crossing) has been there a long time. People should know they need to drive accordingly and regard it,” Vaughn said.
Police say the driver, Amy Lowman, 50, of 640 W. Delavan Drive, Janesville, was cited for failure to yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
Mumbler, a new crossing guard this year, was transported to Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center in Janesville.
As of Friday evening, Mumbler was listed in fair condition.
Vaughn characterized Mumbler's injuries as scrapes and bruises with a possible injury to the back of her head.
He said Mumbler was being held for observation, but she was alert and talking to police about the incident. Vaughn said no one else was injured.
The city of Janesville hires, trains and pays school crossing guards in partnership with Janesville schools, Vaughn said.