Sad news of a Singapore school boy hit by a lorry was recently reported. The boy was rushed to hospital, and apparently, suffered head injuries.
Singapore school boy hit by a lorry
According to The Straits Times, the accident happened along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4, towards Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, on Thursday, Mar 1, at close to 6 pm.
Witnesses said that the boy was still in his school uniform, and appeared to be a student of Ang Mo Kio Primary School.
The incident took place near the bus stop at Block 110, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4. The child had just alighted from a bus and was was walking between 2 buses to cross the road, when he got hit by a lorry.
He was immediately rushed to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and is reported to have suffered head injuries.
We hope he recovers soon.
Road safety rules for children
The growing number of road accidents in Singapore involving pedestrians is a warning call for us to be more vigilant about road safety.
The little ones in particular need to be drilled about road safety rules from young. Here are some basics:
- Look for the ‘green man’ at pedestrian crossings: Cross the road only at designated pedestrian crossings.
The child should understand that unless the ‘green man’ is on, he cannot cross the road. It is best not to start crossing when the green man is blinking.
If the child is too young to understand road rules/colours, 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, its 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, 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 instead.
- Stay off the road and use footpaths and walkways wherever possible.
- Never use your phones or other gadgets while walking on the road.
- No playing near streets or parking areas.
- Don’t cross at road bends and between stationary vehicles: Avoid crossing at road bends or between stationary vehicles 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.
(Source: The Straits Times)