UPDATE: Slippery verge blamed for Bluff girl’s accident
This would have never happened if the grassy verge was paved and made safe for pedestrians to walk on.
A FIFTEEN-year issue of a grassy verge has come back to haunt a Bluff family after their 12-year-old girl was struck by a car after 6.30am on Tuesday, 13 September when she reportedly slipped on the grass on Marine Drive outside her home.
Thanks to a fast-acting Bluff community she was stabilised before Rescue Care paramedics could arrive. The paramedics found medics from the community had treated the schoolgirl.
Mother of 12-year-old Caitlyn Gibbs said it all happened so fast. “My daughter and I went to pick up our big bouncy ball that was blown over the wall by the strong winds yesterday and landed on the road. It was obstructing traffic, so we went to remove it. Caitlyn was on the grassy verge since there was no paving. It was raining that morning so the grass was wet, causing her to slip,” said mother, Melody Scullard. The child landed on the road in front of a moving car. With no time to get up and out of the way, she was struck down and the car drove over her body. “I don’t remember screaming but my daughter said I was. I saw the tyres go over my daughter’s body and I was in shock. It’s not a good experience,” said Scullard.
People quickly surrounded Caitlyn who was still conscious. She was treated before the paramedics arrived. “It was amazing to receive such great support. The driver who struck her never left her side until she was taken to hospital,” said the mother.
The 12-year-old only suffered muscle spasms but no broken bones. “It’s by the grace of God that she was not seriously injured, despite being run over by the car,” said the mother.
According to Caitlyn’s family, this would have never happened if the grassy verge was paved and made safe for pedestrians to walk on. “My husband has been trying to get this problem sorted out for 15 years. He has called the municipality and the councillor to name a few, knowing that people will end up getting hurt or worse. Must we wait for someone to get seriously injured for something to be done about it?” Asked Scullard.
Another issue of speeding cars on Marine Drive. This problem persists despite there being speed humps and schools in the area is another concern. “We urge motorists to take it easy, be more observant and think of the school children who use these roads daily,” she said.
The family thanks Rescue Care, community medics and security companies for treating Caitlyn and making sure the area was safe until the ambulance arrived.
