4-year-old Singapore boy hit by taxi while crossing the road

A 4-year-old boy was taken to KK Women's and Children's Hospital after being hit by taxi in Singapore.

The incident happened along Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, towards Lorong 2 Toa Payoh, on 25 November 2018.

The taxi driver, Mr Huang, was ferrying a family of three, and the traffic light had apparently just turned green, when he saw the boy crossing the road.

"I stepped on the brakes but it was too late. I ended up hitting him", he told Shin Min Daily News.

According to one of the passengers in the taxi, the boy ended up rolling on to the taxi's windshield. He then got flung forward about 5 m before landing on the ground. The taxi driver then called the police.

The boy's forehead was bleeding and he had injuries on both his arms and legs. His mother was seen rushing to the scene, and comforting him. Passers-by also came in to help the injured child.

Police have said that they were alerted to the case at around 2:30 pm. The boy was conscious when taken to the hospital. Investigations are going on.

This incident reminds us why teaching road safety rules to our children is a MUST. We have to start training them from little, and keep reinforcing these rules.

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Here are some basics that every child needs to be aware of:

• Look for the 'green man' at pedestrian crossings 

The child should understand that unless the 'green man' is on, he cannot cross the road. If the child is too young to understand that, hold his hand (and NEVER let go) while crossing the road.

• Look right, look left, look right again while crossing the road

Even if there's a green man, and even if it's a pedestrian crossing, it's always safer to check for cars coming in. There are so many instances of cars being too busy to give way to pedestrians these days; the look right left, the right drill will help your child wherever he goes.

• Do not jaywalk

Many a time we are tempted to jaywalk, to save a few minutes of our time. Children learn from us, so if they see us jaywalking, chances are that they would be tempted to do it when they are on their own. One wrong move could cost lives.

• Raise your hand when crossing the roads

Raising your hand allows motorists to be aware that someone is crossing. This is especially crucial for small kids, as they may be below the line of sight of motorists.

• Never use your kick scooter on the road

The kick scooter is not permitted for use on the road. Even at pedestrian crossings, the LTA recommends that you dismount and push the vehicle/bicycle instead.

• Stay off the road and use footpaths and walkways wherever possible.

• Don't cross at road bends

Avoid crossing at road bends because your view is temporarily obstructed. You will be unable to see the oncoming vehicles, and they can't see you either. Always cross from an area where you have a full view of the traffic.

• Never use your phones or other gadgets while walking on the road.
• No playing near streets or parking areas.

Also READ: Secondary school student dies in Singapore after collapsing during run

(Source: Shin Min Daily News, The New Paper, Featured Image: Screengrab Shin Min Daily News)