Polk sheriff: Teen critical but stable after walking in front of truck on the way to Davenport High

DAVENPORT, Fla. - A 15-year-old girl who stepped in front of a vehicle while walking to school Tuesday morning is critical but stable in the hospital, according to Polk County Sheriff's Grady Judd. 

"She's moving in the right direction, but we're asking for all your prayers," Judd said during a press conference Tuesday afternoon.

The student was on her way to Davenport High School at about 6:45 a.m. Her walk takes her through a crosswalk on Lee Jackson Highway near Sophie Lane.

Investigators said the girl appears to have stepped into the crosswalk in front of a box truck. The driver was going less than the posted speed limit, the sheriff said. The driver stopped and was cooperating with the investigation.

The investigation was still underway, but Judd said the driver wasn't accused of any wrongdoing, at this point.

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Aerial view of Davenport crash scene where teen was hit in crosswalk

Judd said the crosswalk has lights that being flashing when elementary school students are present, but that schedule doesn't begin until 7:30 a.m.

However, when the superintendent of schools heard about the crash, he immediately asked that the timing of the flashing lights be changed to start at 6:30 a.m.

The sheriff said that the school system is reviewing lights and signage in the area to make sure students are being kept safe.

Initial reports said the girl was with a group of other teens, but Judd said she may have been walking alone.