police scotland 2

Police in the Lothians and Scottish Borders are issuing a road safety message to the public following a number of recent incidents throughout the region.

On Tuesday 5th January, officers responded along with the Scottish Ambulance service to Andrew Avenue in Bathgate after an 11-year-old boy was involved a collision with a car at around 2.30 p.m.

He was taken to hospital where it was established he had suffered a broken leg.

The following day police in West Lothian were again contacted after a 12-year-old girl was struck by a Transit van at around 8.15 a.m. in Redhouse Road, Bathgate.

The child sustained minor injuries to her back and torso and was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Police in Peebles then received a report of a 14-year-old boy requiring medical attention after being stuck by a Peugeot 207 in Springwood Road at around 8.35 a.m.

After being taken to the Border General Hospital it was established he had a broken ankle.

On the same day an 8-year-old boy was then involved in a collision with a Toyota Avensis at around 4.30 p.m. on Thursday 7th January within Mansfield Road, Hawick, but only suffered a minor ankle injury.

Road Policing Inspector Richard Latto said: “Any road collision where a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle is a concern, and this in only magnified when a young child is involved where the risk of serious of injury is so much higher.

“Drivers are reminded to exercise caution, and park considerately, when travelling on routes close to schools and other built-up and busy areas.

“Schools across the region are now back following the Christmas holidays, but the hours of daylight remain short and so all children and young people need to ensure they are taking responsibility for their own safety when crossing busy roads.

“This means paying attention to your surroundings, finding a safe place to cross away from parked cars and where provided using dedicated school crossing patrols.

“Next week Road Policing officers will be on school routes where they carry out speed checks to ensure motorists are driving at a safe speed”.

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John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.