The other morning I was driving my two oldest to middle school as I always do. But this morning there was something different. Something terrible. Right in front of my other younger children’s elementary school was a car that had crashed into a concrete street lamp post – you know the really strong ones that go up really high? I used to think they were solid – not anymore. The pole had been uprooted and on top of the car. I saw a lady being attended to by what was obviously a passerby as they waited for help. As I glanced quickly at the car I couldn’t help but be amazed at the fact that the poor woman was not more seriously hurt!
When I arrived back home I was shaken up a bit. That accident had been right in front of the elementary school. Had that taken place even fifteen minutes later a child could have been hit and seriously hurt or even killed. Hundreds of children walk by that exact same spot every morning, including two of mine.
My nine and eight year old children have been walking to school together or with a few friends since the fall. I constantly talk to them about staying together, being observant to their surroundings and to be careful crossing the roads. But we truly never know what path our lives will take each and every day, and the truth of the matter is that sometimes the craziest things can happen such as this accident. So before my kiddies left that morning I told them to be extra careful. I explained what black ice is and how cars can slide – even on to sidewalks. I explained that they have to be aware of where they are walking and what is around them. A grim fact, but so very true. As parents we worry about the sicko’s and pray to God that are children are never taken away from us by such evil, but next time you talk to children about safety while traveling to school or just around the neighbourhood be sure to include the other stuff as well.
Do any of your children walk to school alone? What safety rules do you enforce?
Until next time,
Chantel,momof8crazymonkeys
Tracey, let me know when you find the bubble. I myself was almost hit by a car today (had to run the rest of the way across the road as the car neither stopped nor slowed down) and that renewed my paranoia about letting my children out of my sight. I can completely understand your fears, Chantel.
So scary!! I’m glad no one was hurt (badly).
I was thinking I’d start letting my eight year old walk with friends next year, but now I think I’ll start sourcing a huge plastic bubble instead. Yikes!!