I SINCERELY wish the toddler injured in Ryefield Avenue, Penwortham, a speedy recovery from her injuries but surely the responsibility of all pedestrians is not to step out onto the road thus endangering themselves.

In the case of children the responsibilty is fairly and squarely with the grown-ups. Very few pedestrians are injured or killed by cars mounting the pavements.

Agreed, there are people killed and injured when a driver suffers a heart-attack or when the police are in pursuit of a villain's car but I doubt these events account for 0.001 per cent of road casualties.

Sadly, there are times when a motorist just cannot stop even if driving within or well below the speed limit.

The stories of children being involved in accidents make emotive reading, reporting the slow, often distressing progress of the casualty but the fact remains that the casualty was more often than not on a roadway, almost certainly unexpectedly, with insufficient time for an unfortunate driver to stop. Today, on Black Bull Lane, Fulwood, an elderly lady wanted to cross and the car, well in front of me, had slowed to allow her to do so.

There was no available pedestrian crossing anywhere near. Had she dashed out from behind a large van or other obstacle the story might have been different.

In the event, I was able to slow down as well and the lady waved her thanks with her walking-stick as she completed her transit.

Please, please don't always blame the driver, or speeding.

The problem is nothing to do with the council having or not having the money, nor is it the school to blame.

The problem is entirely with the parents or the grown-ups delegated the responsiblity of caring for them.

Growing up has always carried some risk.

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