Editorial: Driver's worst nightmare

Police were called to a cul-de-sac after a toddler was hit by a van.

The phrase "every parent's worst nightmare" was once awarded mainstream media's "worst cliche".

It's a well deserved award.

But as hackneyed as it is, it's also very accurate.

Accurate in the sense the sentiment no doubt hit all parents when they first heard news of a 2-year-old boy run over by a van in Flaxmere yesterday.

The boy was taken to Hawke's Bay Hospital with a skull fracture, broken pelvis and multiple abrasions after being struck by a kindergarten van doing pick-ups in Bristol Place.

Residents said the boy had been playing with a group of children when he suddenly raced onto the road to chase a dog.

Such is the impulsive nature of children; at that age they're unable to apply the mental brakes before acting.

No matter how vigilant we are behind the wheel in residential areas, this danger lurks. We can never be too prepared for it. Children of that age are too young to comprehend the traffic environment.

Despite the fact freak unavoidable accidents happen, we should all advocate for safer roads.

The stats on child pedestrians in this country are alarming. More than five are killed each year, 100 are hospitalised and kids aged 5-9 are statistically the most at risk.

As of last night the brave youngster was in a serious condition in intensive care at Hawke's Bay Hospital. Our best wishes go out to his family.

There's no suggestion of the motorist fleeing the scene - so our thoughts are also with the driver of the van, for whom yesterday was every driver's worst nightmare.