Family of teen hit by car celebrates birthday in hospital
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (KCTV) - The family of Dimitrice Houston is thankful he’s alive after he was hit by a car the night before his 19th birthday.
Houston was on a bike, heading to his grandmother’s house when he was hit in the intersection of U.S. Route 24 at Dover Drive around 7:33 p.m. on May 20.
His Mom, Christina Houston, told KCTV5 that he is awake and talking after the crash broke multiple bones and left cuts all over.
“I don’t know what I would do if I would have lost my son,” Christina said. “I hope this story makes drivers more cautious and stop speeding and pay attention to the road. We have rules for a reason, and if my son would have been taken from me, I wouldn’t have been able to survive this. He’s my first child and my only son.”
Houston just graduated from high school and is having to celebrate his birthday in the hospital.
“He loves his grandmother so much,” she said. “He’s very protective of his mom and his sisters. He has lots of friends, loves music, dance and making music and hopes one day that he makes it big. But he is still full of life, and we are grateful that God allowed him to stay with us.”
While investigators are still looking into the cause of the crash, people who live nearby told KCTV5 that the intersection is a problem spot.
READ MORE: Independence police report bike rider hit by car while crossing U.S. Route 24
“I think we need to have more lights in that area, so people like pedestrians who always walk through 24 Highway will be seen,” said Katherine Kessler. “Not a lot of people have cars around here because this is a low-income area, and so a lot of people walk to the dollar store all the time or walk to the grocery store, and we want to be safe when we do it.”
Corporal Justin Howard with Missouri State Highway Patrol couldn’t comment on this specific investigation but said as it warms up, it’s crucial for everyone -- walkers, bikers, and drivers -- to stay alert.
“We have to share the road,” Howard said. “Maybe there’s not even someone there, but just to approach those intersections with an abundance of caution, so if there is someone there, you’re prepared for that.”
Howard also recommends that bikers and walkers wear bright clothing so it’s easier for drivers to see them.
There is a GoFundMe to help with medical bills and other expenses.
MoDOT can’t comment as this is an ongoing investigation.
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