The Oamaru teenager hit by a car at a pedestrian crossing on State Highway 1 on Sunday is in a stable condition in Dunedin Hospital, as police continue to investigate what happened.
About 11.45am, the 15-year-old girl was walking across Thames Highway, at the crossing between Rainbow Confectionery and New World in Oamaru's north end, when she was struck by a northbound Honda car.
She received multiple serious injuries and was taken to Oamaru Hospital by ambulance before being airlifted to Dunedin Hospital.
Acting Sergeant Blair Corlet said she was in a stable condition yesterday and was alert and chatting with family following surgery on Sunday night.
The driver of the car, an elderly Oamaru woman, was not injured, but very shaken by the accident.
Police want to speak with any witnesses.
''Police inquiries are still continuing into the crash and if there are any witnesses out there, they can contact Oamaru police,'' Acting Sgt Corlet said.
Oamaru police thanked the members of the public who rushed to the girl's side following the accident, some giving her first aid and others directing traffic, - before emergency services arrived.
The accident happened in a 50kmh zone and road and weather conditions at the time were clear.
''I'd just encourage people to be vigilant because I imagine we all drive that road a few times,'' he said.
On average, 36 pedestrians were killed and more than 1000 injured on New Zealand roads each year, he said.
''The road is no place to learn from mistakes,'' Acting Sgt Corlet said.
Waitaki District Council Road Safety co-ordinator Elton Crane said wherever possible, it was best to ensure all traffic had come to a halt before crossing in front of a vehicle.
''The reality is that pedestrian crossings only consist of paint on the road and paint alone cannot stop a vehicle,'' Mr Crane said.
''Pedestrians need to be wary when crossing and make eye contact with motorists where possible.''
He also urged motorists to be attentive and aware of all crossing areas.
''Many factors can cause distraction, however it is the driver's responsibility to share the road and be vigilant when approaching any pedestrian areas,'' he said.
