Toddler hit by car in Cottonwood Heights

A Jeep hit a Cottonwood Heights toddler Friday afternoon after he broke free from his parents and bolted into speeding traffic.

The accident happened about 1:15 p.m. at the intersection of Fort Union Blvd. and Park Center Dr., according to Cottonwood Heights Sgt. Scott Peck. The child, who Peck described as 2-years-old or younger, ran into traffic while his parents looked away and was struck by a Jeep Cherokee with lifts. He then "violently bounced into the air" before landing near the curb.

An ambulance transported the boy to Primary Children's Hospital, but Peck said he was doing surprisingly well and would be kept overnight merely for observation.

"Surprisingly, there's not much injury at all," Peck said.

The driver of the Cherokee, a man in his 20s, was shaken by the accident. Peck said the man may not have seen the child and wouldn't have time to stop if he had. Peck added that the accident emphasized the importance keeping children safe and being aware of the danger posed by fast-moving cars.

"Kids under 3 don't understand the danger," he said.

jdalrymple@sltrib.com

Twitter: @jimmycdii