We need to protect children on the roads

Surely there must be some health and safety regulations regarding very young children playing and cycling around roads in housing estates, where there is traffic, without any adult supervision whatsoever.

Recently, I was concerned about a child who ran out in front of my car. I braked suddenly, got a terrible fright and thank God nothing happened. When I brought this to the attention of his mother she said: ‘He will learn from his mistake, if he gets knocked down’.

The truth of the matter is: if he gets knocked down there will be a lot of anguish and upset in his family, and the poor motorist will pay out large compensation, pay larger insurance premiums, lose their no claims bonus and will be very upset.

It’s time there is a combined effort involving parents, teachers, gardaí and insurance companies to collectively address this problem, and make driving for residents less stressful, and protect children against injury or a fatal accident.

J O’Sullivan

Newcastle West

Co Limerick