Of late, there have been many cases concerning the safety of toddlers and young children. On March, 17, 2014, a four-year old child fell from a sixth floor balcony. This incident clearly took place due to the sheer negligence shown by parents.
A few days ago, while I was going along the King Faisal Road in Sharjah, I saw a child dangerously leaning out of a window, in the midst of the deadly highway traffic when the street lights were not in our favor (as seen in photograph).
Even when the lights turned green, the toddler was leaning out, not realising the consequent dangers of the situation. This shocking scene was brought about by the carelessness of this child’s parents as they did not notice their child performing this hazardous stunt.
The veracity of this statement was emphasised when we saw the driver of the same car smoking while driving and after he finished, he flung the lit cigarette butt right in front of our car. This could have proven to be extremely perilous as the cigarette butt could have landed anywhere.
In both these cases the laxity of the driver was highlighted.
I urge all readers and especially the drivers and parents, to take care while driving and not be inattentive as a little bit of negligence on their part can be harmful to themselves, their loved ones and those around them. While driving, parents should ensure that the children are secured when they are sitting in the back seat and should take safety measures such as child seats, child lock and should keep the windows fastened so as to guarantee the protection of their young ones. Parents must be very careful and vigilant of their children and their surroundings and must not perform haphazard acts like these.
Additionally, the authorities should look into this dangerous situation and fine the people who drive in this careless manner.
The reader is a student based in Sharjah.