Editorial: Time for driver to own up

Is it any wonder parents are reluctant to let their children play outside when you hear stories of children being knocked down on their bikes?

Parents are often accused of wrapping their children up in cotton wool, but when you read stories like the one on the front page of Hawke's Bay Today yesterday, you can understand why this happens.

The story was about a 7-year-old boy being knocked off his bike in Montgomery St in Hastings. Thankfully, he has been discharged after spending a night in Hawke's Bay Hospital.

The worst thing about this incident is that it was a hit-and-run. Witnesses say the vehicle involved was black with a silver stripe. It left the scene in a northerly direction heading towards Gascoigne St about 3pm.

It is at times like this that we as a community need to work together to ensure this person is brought to justice. If anyone knows who he or she is - and I am sure there is someone who does - please contact the police. Better still, I hope the driver does the right thing and comes forward. It is the right thing to do.

The boy is okay now, but it could have been fatal and then the driver would be facing a more serious charge.

It is beyond me how someone could just drive off when a young boy was lying in the road injured. Even if it was a genuine accident, you can't tell me they didn't realise they had hit something or someone.

Our children have a right to go outside and play. Let's face it - it is better than them sitting in front of the computer or television. But, the environment needs to be safe and if accidents happen, the people who cause those accidents need to be accountable for them.

That is what adults do. They take responsibility for their actions. The driver of that black car with a silver stripe needs to come forward now.