Authorities Urge Caution After E-Bike Rider Struck Near Liberty High, Days After Temecula Crash

An 18-year-old student riding an e-bike was struck by a vehicle driven by another student Tuesday morning near the entrance of Liberty High School, authorities said.

The collision occurred just before 9:45 a.m. at the intersection of El Centro Lane and Wickerd Road. California Highway Patrol (CHP) dispatchers received 911 calls reporting that a student had been hit near the campus..

The e-bike rider was able to walk to the high school office following the incident. According to CHP Officer Brian Seel, the 18-year-old student suffered abrasions and was treated by an ambulance crew called to the scene. The driver of the vehicle, identified as a minor student, was uninjured.

While the student was “up and able to walk,” they were treated for injuries of unknown severity. The CHP did not immediately release information regarding the cause of the collision or if any citations were issued.

Recent School Zone Collisions Highlight Safety Concerns

Tuesday’s crash marks the second time in recent weeks that a local student has been struck by a vehicle near a high school campus.

On March 17, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m., 14-year-old Brianna Hamlett was struck by a car outside Temecula Valley High School. She was airlifted to a local hospital in critical condition, according to a public information officer. A GoFundMe has since been established to support her recovery, with her family noting she is now stable.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-briannas-recovery-after-accident?cdn-cache=0

The successive incidents serve as a stark reminder for heightened vigilance as traffic congestion increases around local campuses. Law enforcement officials emphasize that drivers must exercise extreme caution in school zones, where traffic patterns often change and children can be unpredictable.

To ensure student safety, the CHP and safety advocates recommend the following protocols:

Observe Speed Limits: Most school zones have a speed limit of 25 mph, though some local jurisdictions may lower limits to 20 mph during school hours.

Eliminate Distractions: Using handheld devices in active school zones is illegal and significantly reduces reaction time.

Watch for E-Bikes: With the rising popularity of e-bikes, drivers should expect faster-moving cycles and yield the right-of-way at intersections.

Make Eye Contact: Drivers and cyclists should establish eye contact to ensure both parties are aware of each other before proceeding through crossings.

New California laws taking effect in 2026 further emphasize e-bike safety, requiring all e-bikes to be equipped with rear red reflectors or lights during all hours of operation to increase visibility.