Parents asked to teach road sense

A local Neighbourhood Watch coordinator has called on parents to teach their children safety on the streets.

Umina and Pearl Beach Neighbourhood Watch coordinator Ms Michelle Hinwood said: "There is an issue I would like to bring to the attention of all parents in our area.

"As we all know in a lot of our streets, the children play outside on the roads, particularly in the many cul-de-sacs we have here.

"In fact, this child-friendly neighbourhood is one of the reasons many families move here.

"However, some residents have recently expressed concern that when they are driving along our streets as a lot of the children tend to ignore the approaching cars and do not move to the side of the road.

"I have experienced this myself often and am quite happy to slowly drive around the kids.

"All of our residents are aware that the children regularly play in the streets and the greater majority of us drive slower and more carefully in our area because of the children.

"However, my concern - and that of some residents who have contacted me - is the fact that drivers coming into our area who are not locals are usually driving faster and not actually looking out for the children.

Ms Hinwood said it was only a matter of time before there was an "unfortunate accident".

She said parents should tell their children to be alert and move to the side of the road when they see or hear any vehicles approaching.

"Some residents of Pearl Beach have also raised the same problem.

"In that area there is very little kerbing and guttering and most of the streets are tree-lined and it is sometimes difficult to see the children until the last minute.

"The residents there say their problem is the same as ours - non-residents coming into the area who drive faster than locals.

"The only way we can tackle this problem is by teaching the children to be more aware of the danger and to not assume that every vehicle will slow down for them."

Newsletter, 18 Oct 2008 Michelle Hinwood, Neighbourhood Watch