Dear Editor,
My heart aches for the family that lost their child earlier this week when he was hit by a car while riding his scooter. I personally know the pain of losing a child. It’s not a pain I wish upon anyone.
Although a turn-only arrow signal may have saved this child’s life, I would like to reinforce safe riding practices. Wearing a helmet is your best protection from head injury, along with elbow and knee pads. Other important safe riding practices include safely riding with the flow of traffic, proceeding cautiously at intersections, learning the rules of the road and obeying traffic laws, see and be seen (don’t assume you’re seen), staying alert and always being aware of the traffic around you.
Drivers also need to be alert, watching crosswalks and sidewalks. It only takes 1/10th of a second of distraction for a tragedy to occur.
I am certainly not trying to minimize their loss; my intent is to provoke awareness in the hopes of preventing this from happening again.
My sincere condolences to the family and friends during this very difficult time.
Kris Mangano, Gilroy
