PICKING my daughter up from school, I was surprised at the number of parents who walked their children away from the official crossing patrol and crossed the road further up in more dangerous positions.

One woman, who saw me indicating to pull out from the kerb, proceeded to cross, despite the fact that her children were trailing behind her. As her children scurried into the road in an attempt to catch up, her son of about nine stepped off the kerb carrying a toddler.

This, unfortunately, is the attitude of parents across the country. No matter where I travel, I am amazed at the number of people who drive around with unrestrained children sitting in the back and even sometimes the front of their cars.

It is time parents started offering their children what they look to them for -- guidance and protection.

PAUL ANTHONY, Spring

Avenue, Great Harwood.