Driver says ‘stressful’ to see child standing near busy junction while women chit-chat
A driver was alarmed after spotting a young child left without “active supervision” near a busy road junction along Yio Chu Kang Road.
Stomper Ryan said the incident occurred at around 10.15am on March 23 near a cross junction behind Hougang Primary School.
The Stomper, who was travelling along the junction in the front passenger seat of a car, noticed two women, whom he assumed were helpers, engaged in conversation while a child stood close to the road.
“A child, who was not being held or actively supervised, was unattended in close proximity to this busy intersection,” said Ryan.
In a photo seen by Stomp, two women and a boy are standing near the pedestrian crossing. The boy is positioned between the two women as they appear to be chatting.
Concerned for the child’s safety, Ryan attempted to get the women’s attention by honking, but was unsuccessful.
“It was stressful to see a young kid unattended in the vicinity of a traffic junction,” said the Stomper, who estimated the child to be around four years old.
“With the current state of pedestrian-related traffic incidents, my opinion is that both parents and helpers alike should pay extra caution to their little ones for matters concerning road safety.”
Ryan, who has a four-year-old child, also shared how he personally briefs his helper on safety when crossing roads.
“I typically tell my helper to stand back half a metre from the crossing while waiting for the green light, to always tightly hold on to my toddler’s hand, and only cross after the signal has turned fully green,” he said.
He added that conversations should not take place at crossings where attention may be diverted.
“Discussions with companions should be reserved for more appropriate settings, not at a cross junction where a child’s safety is compromised due to a lack of attention.”
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