Commenting on Two Pupils at Forthill Primary School Hit By Car at Crossing with Patroller

It has been reported in The Courier that earlier this week two young pupils were hit by a car as they crossed Nursery Road on their way to Forthill Primary School. They were apparently crossing with the help and protection of a School Crossing Patroller:

The children's father was reported in the Courier saying: ''It was horrifying — I just watched as it happened. I feared the worst.''
The Courier Reporter added: "Forthill Primary pupils Jodi (8) and sister Charli Ewing (5) were lucky to escape serious injury in the accident with a black Fiat Panda as they walked hand-in-hand across Nursery Road .... Happily, both girls escaped serious harm and did not require hospital treatment. They were recovering at home in Broughty Ferry and are already looking forward to returning to school. The accident is under police investigation."

I am very relieved to learn that the two young pupils who were hit by a car, were not badly injured and will soon be back at school. 

I am member of the School Parking and Pupil Safety Working Group established by The Council in response to a range of concerns raised by parents and Councillors like me about pupil safety in and around our schools. As part of the work of that group, I have visited a number of Primary Schools including Forthill, to see the drop offs in the morning or the pick ups in the evening.

In meeting with parents at school gates, I have heard many stories about car drivers ignoring School Crossing Patrollers with their distinctive 'lollipops' and by so doing putting young lives and the lives of the patrollers at risk. 

I appeal to drivers to take particular care in the vicinity of our schools and slow down when they see the flashing road signs warning of schools ahead and obey the School Crossing Patrollers when they hold up the traffic for our children to cross. No driver wants to have to live with the guilt of maiming or killing a child on their conscience for the rest of their lives.