The New Paper recently reported the sad news of the death of eight-year-old Galen Ong Zi Jie who was involved in a fatal car accident on Wednesday 9 December.
The eight-year-old loved swimming and frequently visited the Delta Swimming Complex to enjoy this activity. It was on the way back home that fateful Wednesday that the accident occurred. The boy was with his grandfather at the time he was hit by a car.
Police stated that the accident happened around 6.50pm at Eu Tong Sen Street towards Hill Street.
According to reports, the pair had only been a short distance away from their home at Everton Park, when the accident happened and Galen was thrown about three metres away from the impact.
Below: Galen and his family in happier times. Image: Filton Ong’s Facebook
www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151702922717702&set=ecnf.523592701&type=3&theater
The heart-wrenching scene had the boy’s grandfather kneeling by the boy and calling out his name after the initial shock of losing track of his grandson.
The pair was brought to hospital where Galen’s father was reportedly told that his son had bleeding in the middle part of his brain, which controls most bodily functions, and that he was being kept alive by medication and machines.
The New Paper reports that by about 11pm, the Ongs made the difficult decision to stop treatment, and their son slipped away.
Police investigations into the accident are still ongoing.
While we do not know for certain the exact circumstances behind the accident, it’s a reminder — a very sad one no doubt — to refresh your child’s knowledge about road safety rules.
Refresh your memory about road safety rules on the next page.
#1 Use designated pedestrian crossings and do not jaywalk
Despite the convenience of jaywalking, stick to designated crossing such as zebra crossings, underpasses, overhead bridges and signalised crossings. Do not attempt to run across when red-man lights are lit up on traffic lights.
#2 Be safety-conscious even at designated dedestrian crossings
While designated pedestrian crossings are set to provide a safe avenue to cross, do not take it for granted and be conscious of your surroundings.
#3 Practise the kerb drill when crossing the road
Look to your right. Look to your left. Look to your right again.
When crossing the road, stop, look and check for any vehicles coming in your path. Be patient, practise your kerb drill and do not just rush across. Check to see that there are no vehicles or that vehicles have come to a stop before attempting to cross the road.
#4 Raise your hand when crossing the roads
This is especially crucial for kids. Raising your hand allows motorists to be aware that someone is crossing. Kids walking across may be below the line of sight of motorists.
#5 Use footpaths and walkways
Keep off the roads and stick to footpaths and walkways.
#6 Be Seen, Be Safe
Carry reflective materials or wear light-coloured clothing when using the roads at night to make you more visible to other motorists.
#7 Don’t cross at road bends and in between stationary vehicles
Never cross at road bends or between stationary vehicles. Your view is temporary obstructed as you cross at road bends and you will be unable to see the oncoming vehicles and they cannot see you.
Always cross from an area where you have a full view of the traffic. Never stand in the middle of the road and wait for the traffic to clear as there may be chances where you could get hit.
We at theAsianparent are deeply saddened by Galen’s death and our hearts go out to his family at this difficult time.
What can we, as parents do, to ensure the safety of our kids on the road? Do share your thoughts with us in a comment below.