Teen bicyclist's life likely saved by helmet during crash

SPRING HILL (FOX 13) - A 13-year-old and his mom are reminding cyclists to always put on their helmets after the teen survived an accident last week.

Damian Moran was riding his bike to school when a car hit him at the intersection of Northcliffe Boulevard and Landover Boulevard.

According to FHP, the eighth-grader did what he was supposed to do and waited for the crosswalk signal to indicate he had the right of way.

But a car failed to yield and hit the young teen who had to be airlifted to a local hospital.

Nicole Moran said her son suffered a broken collarbone and had to get several stitches.

She believes one simple rule she taught her son early on may have spared him from more serious injuries.

"He had a helmet and that probably saved his life," Moran said. 

That helmet shows the damage that could have been to Damian's head: A large chunk and many scrapes riddle one side of the safety device.

Damian is back in school this week, despite a leg brace, arm sling, and overall soreness, but he's counting his blessings.

"It's traumatizing having that happen," he said.

Hernando County Fire Rescue donated a brand new bike to the eighth grader, who said he's overwhelmed by the community's outpouring of support.