The father of a nine-year-old Dundee boy who suffered fractures to his skull when he was knocked from his bike by a car says it was an “accident waiting to happen.”
Derek Brown (45), of St Martin Avenue in Craigowl View estate, was so concerned about road safety he began campaigning for traffic calming measures with other residents around three years ago.
He also stood up as part of a deputation in front of a Dundee City Council committee to voice his concerns about the volume of traffic and lack of safe play areas.
His son Ross was hit shortly after 3pm on Saturday at the nearby junction of Strathmartine Road and Brackens Road.
He was rushed to Ninewells Hospital where he underwent emergency neurosurgery and he continues to make slow progress.
“My son’s welfare is at the top of the list but at some point down the line I will be making a lot of noise,” Mr Brown said. “There are a number of petitions circulating the estate for traffic calming measures on Strathmartine Road.
“Folk who live on the other side of Strathmartine Road have been campaigning for 12 years now. The road isn’t wide enough and people can’t see.
“As far as I’m aware the driver of the vehicle was not at fault and did everything he could. The guy was in bits at the scene.”
Mr Brown is concerned that the city council is not properly addressing the issue, saying, “The estate is expanding and they are not looking at that closely enough. We appreciate there are things that are difficult to do but when it comes to child safety there shouldn’t be anything of higher priority.”
He added, “Buses pass through up to every seven minutes and there is a severe lack of safe play areas for the children, despite the number of families who live here.”HorrificMr Brown and his wife Gillian (41) were at home when they received the news.
“We did the usual ‘don’t go on the road’ chat and within five minutes his pal came to the house to tell us he’d been knocked down,” he said. “It was horrific. I went straight to the scene and he was totally unresponsive.
“Saturday was the worst day of my life but day two managed to surpass it. That is when they told us the possibilities of what might happen to him and how serious his injuries were the risk of more complications and brain damage.
“When he started to come around, that was one of the best days of my life.”
Ross, who also suffered cracked heels and hairline fractures to his pelvis, is showing signs of recovery.
His father said, “The neurologist has been coming round every day and is happy with his progress. He is still in a hell of a lot of pain from his injuries but has managed to sit up for an hour today. That shows the strength of the boy.
“He’s always been fit and active so hopefully he will be fine.”