Police: Drive Cautiously, More Children Playing Outside in Warm Weather

By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

SHAWNEE, Oklahoma – Police are warning drivers to be cautious of children playing outside in warmer weather. The warning comes after a 4-year-old was killed after possibly being hit by an SUV.

Many questions remain unanswered about the death of Cobie Wright, 4, whose body was found lying in a Shawnee street Tuesday afternoon. The driver of the SUV told authorities she wasn't aware she had run over a child, and police are having difficulty finding anyone who witnessed what happened.

Police across the state say this is a time of year when drivers need to be especially aware of children in the street.

"Obviously the warmer weather is a factor because the kids are going to be outside more as the weather warms. And especially once school's out, they're not required to be inside at school so they're going to be out running around," said Norman Police Capt. Tom Easley.

If you're driving and a teenager or an adult steps into your line of sight, you have a moment to react and stop. That's also true if you're backing up and see someone in your rearview mirror or out your rear window.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is using its laser equipment to survey the scene. One obvious fact is that smaller children are harder to see than larger ones.

"It's really an issue of awareness and attending to what you're doing. Not only is it the driver's responsibility, it's also the pedestrian's and the bicyclist's responsibility," Capt. Easley said.

The Shawnee investigation aims to find out where the responsibility lies in the death of Cobie Wright.

If you want to help the Wright family out with their medical expenses, a fund has been set up. Donations can be made at any BancFirst location.

More on News9.com: 4-Year-Old Declared Brain Dead After Being Hit by Car in Shawnee