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Driver not cited after hitting 9th grader biking to school

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TARPON SPRINGS — A Pinellas County 9th grader is recovering after getting hit by a car Wednesday morning.

Janeva Buczynski was biking across busy East Lake Road in Tarpon Springs when Florida Highway Patrol says she rode into the path of a on-coming traffic.

ORIGINAL STORY: Pinellas County student hit by car while riding bike to school

ThRough a family friend we are hearing the teen, who went to the hospital in critical condition, has broken bones and injuries to her neck.

“it could have been a lot worse,” they said, adding that she is movign her arms and legs.

Many students from East Lake High School cross the road every day.

“My parents always say be careful crossing East Lake Road. It’s the most dangerous road. So many accidents over here,” said 10th grader Jasmine Cullen.

Buczynski was riding her bike to school just before 7 a.m. when, according to the Florida Highway Patrol, she crossed into the path of a Saturn that had a green light.

Many other students like Michael Dohanish saw the crash scene on their way to school.

“I was just shocked. This could be somebody I know, and it was.”

Janeva was airlifted to St. Joseph's Children's hospital in critical condition.

Cullen says Janeva normally rides the bus to school.

“It’s just ironic how one day she doesn’t ride the bus she gets hit by a car. So it was just a shock.”

“A lot of people have been hurt by it, no matter if you know her or not. Knowing that it was close to your school and knowing that effects some people will affect everyone,” said Dohanish.

FHP says the 51-year-old driver was not at fault for the crash. But she was given a ticket for driving with a suspended license.