Vehicle hits two yesterday

A driver driving at high speed went off the road and hit two young male pedestrians at the Kumul Highway near Tana Russet building yesterday midday.

Both pedestrians sustained abrasions and were admitted at the Vila Central Hospital.

The older one suffered a shoulder dislocation but has been treated.

The younger, 15 years old, is a year 8 student at Vila North School. He is still under medical care and expected to leave the hospital today.

Both boys originated from Maewo. They said they were strolling to town to do some Christmas shopping when they were hit by the vehicle from behind. They are supposed to leave town this week to spend Christmas with families on the island.

Now that schools are over and children are on holiday, police are cautioning parents not to leave them wonder around or along the streets in town alone.

“Such behavior for crossing the road anywhere they (children) want without care and mis-judging the speed and distance of an approaching vehicle then get hit is a lack of road safety education.

“Our town is no longer safe for pedestrian crossing anywhere.

“The number of vehicles using the road has increased and therefore, the demand for road safety is paramount”, stressed the police.

Schools are encourage to teach children on the golden rules of crossing the road. That is to look to both sides, to the right and left to check if a vehicle is approaching before crossing the road.

Parents are advised to know where exactly their children are going every day and whether they are safe and sound at home.