Stuff: Toddler killed in Christchurch accident

[Dodger]

(feel free to move somewhere more appropriate)

From stuff: http://www.stuff.co.nz/4665560a11.html



A toddler has been killed after a moped and a truck collided in Woolston this morning.
The two-year-old and a female adult were rushed to hospital after the accident on Ferry Rd at about 11am.
Police said the two-year-old, who was a pillion passenger on the moped, was critically ill and later died. The female adult had moderate to serious injuries.
Police asked anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact Constable Caron Fletcher on 03 3637400.

[Colapop]

Aww man! That's no good. Poor kid.

[ManDownUnder]

Oh God that's terrible. I feel for the rider. Sounds liek they were doing something stupid - but that's a hell of a high price to pay.

[jrandom]

This is why my kids won't be riding pillion until they're at least 10 or so. Maybe even older.

Little kids' bodies just don't have the strength to deal with the kind of things that happen when a motorcycle gets binned. Particularly if other vehicles are involved.

[Tank]

Its always so tragic when one so young loses their life thru the stupidity of others.

The young 'un, the rider, the truck driver, the police and crews at the scene - so much pain for so many people. So very sad.

[fireball]

condolences to friends and family of those afffected by this...

i think its best not to jump on the "KB Bash Wagon" (i can see the torch burners coming already) until the cause of this accident has been established.

[portokiwi]

:weep:Thats not nice. anything to do with kids and accidents are sad.

[blairh]

horrible stuff :( hope the other rider recovers ok...

[Patch]

didn't know they made helmets small enough to fit a toddler or the footpegs high enuff so the little fulla's could reach 'em??

[NighthawkNZ]

didn't know they made helmets small enough to fit a toddler or the footpegs high enuff so the little fulla's could reach 'em??


they don't...

[Dodger]

didn't know they made helmets small enough to fit a toddler or the footpegs high enuff so the little fulla's could reach 'em??

They dont have footpegs on what looks to be a single seater moped.


I've got mixed feeling about this, it's sad, and I feel sorry for those involved. But at the same time the article also just screams out that someone was doing something stupid.

There's also the problem with others in the public who will start the whole "Motorcycles are dangerous" line once again....

[Forest]

That's a scooter - not a moped.

The teddy bear lying on the ground is particularly poignant.

[Devil]

condolences to friends and family of those afffected by this...

i think its best not to jump on the "KB Bash Wagon" (i can see the torch burners coming already) until the cause of this accident has been established.

It doesn't matter what caused it! Who takes a two year old on a bike on the road?

[Dodger]

That's a scooter - not a moped.

Less than 50cc = moped in New Zealand.

[Dave-]

Less than 50cc = moped in New Zealand.

step through then...

its tragic but what were they thinking with a 2 year old on the back?

do doubt we'll hear more about this.

[Griffin]

It doesn't matter what caused it! Who takes a two year old on a bike on the road?

I agree, even without considering having an accident - I just wouldnt trust that a 2 year old would be able to hold on and maintain their seating while moving. I wouldnt even take an older child on a bike without a sissy bar and gear that fits.

[Grahameeboy]

Oh God that's terrible. I feel for the rider. Sounds liek they were doing something stupid - but that's a hell of a high price to pay.

It is terrible Nige, however, what price do you put on such lack of responsibility...

[celticbhoy]

Perhaps the "pillion" was sitting in front? Regardless, in my opinion not a wise decision to take a two year old on board. Condolences all the same

[ManDownUnder]

It is terrible Nige, however, what price do you put on such lack of responsibility...

Grief for months or years to come and a lifetime of the guilts would well and truly cover it.

[Grahameeboy]

Grief for months or years to come and a lifetime of the guilts would well and truly cover it.

I sound harsh but they should have thought about that first...I have no sympathy for them...if some one shot another person they would be tried and jailed...I suspect this person will not be treated that way...

[Grahameeboy]

Perhaps the "pillion" was sitting in front? Regardless, in my opinion not a wise decision to take a two year old on board. Condolences all the same

Not being wise being an understatement....

[Wingnut]

I agree, even without considering having an accident - I just wouldnt trust that a 2 year old would be able to hold on and maintain their seating while moving. I wouldnt even take an older child on a bike without a sissy bar and gear that fits.

So true. Fucken stupidly pointless and so very tragic. I cant bear to think about something like that happening to my little ones!!

[Dodger]

And it starts, TV3 just reported "A two-year-old is dead after a motor cycle on which she was riding pillion was involved in a collision with a truck"

It's a bloody moped! not a motorcycle, if I reported that a car had crashed into a school killing children when in fact it was a truck I think the public would notice. :angry:

[Grahameeboy]

And it starts, TV3 just reported "A two-year-old is dead after a motor cycle on which she was riding pillion was involved in a collision with a truck"

It's a bloody moped! not a motorcycle, if I reported that a car had crashed into a school killing 20 when in fact it was a truck I think the public would notice. :angry:

That is picky because essentially they look the same...a bus and a truck are a lot different

[Scorpygirl]

Very sad to hear this news. It was just on the TV One news as well. Sounds like they came out of a driveway into the path of the truck. RIP little one.

[bikerboy011]

This is very sad.........

[PrincessBandit]

condolences to friends and family of those afffected by this...

i think its best not to jump on the "KB Bash Wagon" (i can see the torch burners coming already) until the cause of this accident has been established.

Understand where you're coming from, but regardless of the cause it was a highly risky thing to do even under ideal conditions. A 2 year old's neck would hardly be strong enough to hold their head up with a helmet on even if they make them small enough. Who knows whether going on the back of the moped was a regular occurrence for this young one but surely such a tragic event as this should never have happened. I feel sorry for the woman who will have to live with this for the rest of her life and for the rest of the child's family in their loss.

[Monsterbishi]

The truth behind the matter is that they weren't riding on the road per se, they were scooting up and down their driveway - joyriding for want of a better word, and failed to stop in time, ending up on the road.

[Dodger]

That is picky because essentially they look the same...a bus and a truck are a lot different

Maybe,

But the original report says moped. (so does every other report) Why change it? and if they were going to change it, you would think they would have said scooter.

[Grahameeboy]

Maybe,

But the original report says moped. (so does every other report) Why change it? and if they were going to change it, you would think they would have said scooter.

Maybe:msn-wink:

[JMemonic]

Shame, a tragic outcome from a little harmless fun perhaps, we don't know the full story so our conjecture is pretty useless, but this is KB.

If someone wanted to raise the issue with TV3 that a scooter is not a motorcycle go ahead and while you are at it raise the issue with ACC there is no distinction in their figures for scooter or motorcycle, and after this the motorcycle stats have just gone up one injury and one fatality:(.

[Meanie]

What a terrible tragedy Regardless of who was at fault or what happened our children depend on us to keep them safe, not put thier lives at unneccesary risk. But so many fail, seems so dam unfair

RIP little one

[awayatc]

The truth behind the matter is that they weren't riding on the road per se, they were scooting up and down their driveway - joyriding for want of a better word, and failed to stop in time, ending up on the road.

If thats what happened indeed then the "adult" should receive exemption to wear helmet or any other form of protective headgear.

Nothing inside that needs protecting......

[Katman]

Maybe,

But the original report says moped. (so does every other report) Why change it? and if they were going to change it, you would think they would have said scooter.

What the fuck does it matter whether it was a moped, scooter or motorcycle?

:weird:

[Number One]

Really really sad - I feel for everyone concerned but I have to say WTF are you doing putting a 2 year old on a bike?????

My boy is almost 5 and I wouldn't even consider taking him on the back of the bike. There's a father and son who I see going to school regularly in my area and the poor little bugger is on the back with NO protective gear on at all (does have at least a helmet) everytime I see them I can't help but think that I hope nothing goes wrong cos wee boy on the back wouldn't fare well at all with his wee body and legs unprotected....unlike the driver who is decked up with all the gear all the time.....

I don't get that at all :no:

[Monsterbishi]

If thats what happened indeed then the "adult" should receive exemption to wear helmet or any other form of protective headgear.

Nothing inside that needs protecting......

I got the call to attend it, but couldn't because I was already on a all-day job, the last 2 weeks have been weird in Christchurch, we've had more serious accidents and fatals than I can remember(Pretty much one every day), mostly involving cyclists and pedestrians.

[dipshit]

the last 2 weeks have been weird in Christchurch, we've had more serious accidents and fatals than I can remember(Pretty much one every day), mostly involving cyclists and pedestrians.

Sun strike at peak rush-hour traffic times perhaps? The sun is rising around 8:00 am and setting around 5:30 pm at the moment for Christchurch. Are more of the accident happening around then? Just a thought.

(edit) Mind you, more people are probably are walking and cycling to work these days anyhow.

[fireliv]

Just a baby..... the thought would never cross my mind to take one so young on a bike/scooter.
The mother is going to have to live with the knowledge that there stupidity cos a life, and I couldnt think of a worse punishment.

RIP

[Genestho]

That's a scooter - not a moped.

The teddy bear lying on the ground is particularly poignant.

Aw little bub. Tragic. RIP little dude:bye:

[Winston001]

Spare a thought for the truck-driver. He's going to live with the image of this for the rest of his life. Doesn't matter that he wasn't at fault, he'll wonder if he could have avoided them, swerved, why........

Terrible and so sad for many people. These tragedies touch families and friends too.

[<Rhino>]

I was riding in Upper Hutt last week and saw somthing similer, A man riding one of these machines, with a toddler standing between his legs in the footwell area, in normal clothes and a pushbike helmet, nice pink one!! I thought to myself at the time WTF, had to take a seccond look to make sure I was seeing what I thought I was seeing.

I really hope that inocent little lives are not being put at risk like this because of the costs of fuel and travel etc. I have three littlies, and would never considder putting them on the back, they don't have the strenth, the gear, the mass to deal with falling off.

Sad sad news for this little person, I really feel for you and others involved.

[deanohit]

Damn, feel sorry for the kid.
R.I.P

[Jantar]

Reported on the radio today that the toddler was standing on the pillion seat. That is even more dangerous.

The police are considering laying charges against the 22 year old female rider.

[awayatc]

Mother was paralised....

From the neck up.....

[quickbuck]

My boy is almost 5 and I wouldn't even consider taking him on the back of the bike.

That is your choice, and good on you.

I do know of 3 year olds who were very competent riders at that age.
I personally was riding (yes, in control of the bike) at 6.
I have had no issue with taking children for a ride pillion.... My choice.

Looks like this young mum was having a little fun, and it went a little pear shaped.
Sure it is easy to look back with 20/20 hind sight and say it was a stupid thing to do.....

[awayatc]

Looks like this young mum was having a little fun, and it went a little pear shaped.
Sure it is easy to look back with 20/20 hind sight and say it was a stupid thing to do.....

Yeah just a little pearshaped....

20/20 hindsight?

Half an ounce of commonsense would have sufficed.....

[Number One]

20/20 hindsight?

Half an ounce of commonsense would have sufficed.....

I personally am a believer in Murphys Law...you know, IF it is going to happen it WILL happen to me. I don't see myself as ten foot tall and bullet proof and the risks I take are my own and with my own life. I tend to prefer to make decisions based on wanting to be safe rather than sorry - especially when it comes to the safety of children mine or others.

Part of me thinks my boy would absolutely be able to hold on etc etc but if the shit were to hit the fan I couldn't live with myself were he to be hurt...and I probably wouldn't live with myself if his death were caused by my actions under the guise of 'having a little fun'.

Each to their own and all that of course, we all make our own choices. I just hope that my own feelings of 'mortality' and propensity to stop and think ok what if (and can I cope with that what if were it to happen) keep me in check so that I never have to live regretting a terrible decision with this kind of outcome.

[Winston001]

Looks like this young mum was having a little fun, and it went a little pear shaped.

Sure it is easy to look back with 20/20 hind sight and say it was a stupid thing to do.....

I've certainly done the occasional thing with my children which could have meant they got hurt. Not dead, but wet or broken arm etc. My philosophy was to expose them to risk, a bit of thrill, test their abilities, but keep very close and ready.

If - if this mother was simply riding up and down a driveway on a scooter, frankly the level of danger was very low. I can understand that in terms of a bit of fun. Despite the swirling blades, I used to take my kids on the ride-on lawnmower.

However she must have been a total novice to lose control and ride out into the traffic. Of course this is pure conjecture - but don't be too hard on her until we know more.

[Iggy]

I personally know the young truck driver involved in the accident, he does deliveries to where I work, a real politeful guy and a good driver. Just a real tragic accident for all concerned.

[scootnz]

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10528710

I had to cry reading about the fathers reaction on being told what had happened.

[munterk6]

So sad and tragic to hear of, when you are doing things like riding up and down the drive having a good old laugh, the last thing in your mind is tragedy....a bit like screaming down the highway in hot pursuit of your mates at totally illegal speeds. Its all shits n giggles till someone comes unstuck:(:nono::no:

[RT527]

I am stunned to hear of this, and was also surprised not to see the headline say " girl killed by truck " I feel for everyone even the young mother....I think if we are honest with ourselves we can all say bugger that was close maybe I shouldn't have done that , at some time or other.

something like this is a pure accident no body did anything to intentionally harm or try to harm the girl involved, and it really is a bit late to say she shouldnt have been riding on it with her mum , probably having a ball of a time....wasnt it just recent that Kiwibiker members organizes a ride for the young ones...what would you all be saying now if something had of gone pear shaped there and some lil fella/lady got hurt....

Its hard to say this but are we so soft that we cant even take small risks.
Think Im going to go upstairs now and wrap my kids in cotton wool ....cause ya just never know do you!!!.

My condolences go out to all involved including the young women riding the moped.
Oh and to the person who knows the truck driver...please talk to him and make sure he is aware of the help that he can receive, it wont be in the few days after but eventually it will start to play on his mind ...and the what if scenario`s will start to play on his mind.
Everyone stay safe out there .
RT527.

[awayatc]

People that grew up pre-nana had to think for themselves.....

Which they must have managed allright, judging by the number of survivors...

Nana's vege patch needs ever increasingly absurd and complex legislation to protect ittself from selfdestruction.

Trying to cheat Darwin however allows the weeds to grow out of control

[<Rhino>]

Its hard to say this but are we so soft that we cant even take small risks.
Think Im going to go upstairs now and wrap my kids in cotton wool ....cause ya just never know do you!!!.


Risk - Stupidity - Responsability all of which a factors in most accidents.

Yes she took a risk but risk can be eliminated or minimised in most cases, would you let your kids ride thier bike without a helmet! Simply wearing safety gear could lessen the risk of injury. Stupidity, I see it all the time I live next to a Kindy/school and the amount of kids I see in the back seat with NO belts on is amazing now to me thats just stupid, the belts are there they just don't get used, this means the adult who is supposed to be the smart one and care for the child lacks responsability. When the shit hits the fan these people always look to shift the blame to somone else and absolve themselves of responsability that they didn't even have in the first place or this would never have even happened.

I say charge her, I know she's had a greivous loss that will never heal but make her responsable for her actions and chioces. She made the chioce for a child who wasn't in a position to asess the risk for themselves.

[Grahameeboy]

Risk - Stupidity - Responsability all of which a factors in most accidents.

Yes she took a risk but risk can be eliminated or minimised in most cases, would you let your kids ride thier bike without a helmet! Simply wearing safety gear could lessen the risk of injury. Stupidity, I see it all the time I live next to a Kindy/school and the amount of kids I see in the back seat with NO belts on is amazing now to me thats just stupid, the belts are there they just don't get used, this means the adult who is supposed to be the smart one and care for the child lacks responsability. When the shit hits the fan these people always look to shift the blame to somone else and absolve themselves of responsability that they didn't even have in the first place or this would never have even happened.

I say charge her, I know she's had a greivous loss that will never heal but make her responsable for her actions and chioces. She made the chioce for a child who wasn't in a position to asess the risk for themselves.

I agree, when is NZ going to shead this "she will be right" view.....

[Grahameeboy]

I am stunned to hear of this, and was also surprised not to see the headline say " girl killed by truck " I feel for everyone even the young mother....I think if we are honest with ourselves we can all say bugger that was close maybe I shouldn't have done that , at some time or other.

something like this is a pure accident no body did anything to intentionally harm or try to harm the girl involved, and it really is a bit late to say she shouldnt have been riding on it with her mum , probably having a ball of a time....wasnt it just recent that Kiwibiker members organizes a ride for the young ones...what would you all be saying now if something had of gone pear shaped there and some lil fella/lady got hurt....

Its hard to say this but are we so soft that we cant even take small risks.
Think Im going to go upstairs now and wrap my kids in cotton wool ....cause ya just never know do you!!!.

My condolences go out to all involved including the young women riding the moped.
Oh and to the person who knows the truck driver...please talk to him and make sure he is aware of the help that he can receive, it wont be in the few days after but eventually it will start to play on his mind ...and the what if scenario`s will start to play on his mind.
Everyone stay safe out there .
RT527.

I do see where you are coming from, however, at same time there are limits to this "no cotton wool" view.

Yes kid was having fun...was being the operative word...cause kid is dead now so at 2 will miss out on the future fun....

[Grahameeboy]

I was riding in Upper Hutt last week and saw somthing similer, A man riding one of these machines, with a toddler standing between his legs in the footwell area, in normal clothes and a pushbike helmet, nice pink one!! I thought to myself at the time WTF, had to take a seccond look to make sure I was seeing what I thought I was seeing.

I really hope that inocent little lives are not being put at risk like this because of the costs of fuel and travel etc. I have three littlies, and would never considder putting them on the back, they don't have the strenth, the gear, the mass to deal with falling off.

Sad sad news for this little person, I really feel for you and others involved.

I saw some guy put his kids in the back of his 4WD once....because the bikes were on the seats...

[Grahameeboy]

That is your choice, and good on you.

I do know of 3 year olds who were very competent riders at that age.
I personally was riding (yes, in control of the bike) at 6.
I have had no issue with taking children for a ride pillion.... My choice.

Looks like this young mum was having a little fun, and it went a little pear shaped.
Sure it is easy to look back with 20/20 hind sight and say it was a stupid thing to do.....

Mmm...think you are missing the point...your choice but what about the kids...sorry but that is a selfish attitude because really it is you who wants the fun as well..

[Skyryder]

As I understand the woman lost control and shot out into the road.

She did not deliberatley pillion the toddler out onto the roadway. I'll not pass judgment on this one. A tradgedy for all involved.

Skyryder

[toebug]

Definately a tragedy!

I have to admit that I put my kids in front of me and take them for rides around the coldersack (dont know how to spell that!). I do put a helmet on them and only potter around but I guess anything could potentially go wrong. The young fella (4 yrs) loves doing donuts with me on my dirt bike, I feel its much safer to run them around a paddock than the road, but I would never put them on the back and actually go somewhere, just round and round a dead end street.

[scootnz]

it's cul-de-sac, French for something-or-other.

[Ms Piggy]

What an enormous tragedy, it will have ongoing and never ending consequences for all involved - unbelievably sad.

Just yesterday when we were out I saw a motorcycle rider with a little kid on the back as a pillion (the child couldn't have been older than 6yrs) and as the rider accelerated I saw the kids head pull back with the force of the acceleration (which wasn't huge) and weight of the helmet, I was amazed the kid was managing to hold on at all.

[<Rhino>]

What an enormous tragedy, it will have ongoing and never ending consequences for all involved - unbelievably sad.

Just yesterday when we were out I saw a motorcycle rider with a little kid on the back as a pillion (the child couldn't have been older than 6yrs) and as the rider accelerated I saw the kids head pull back with the force of the acceleration (which wasn't huge) and weight of the helmet, I was amazed the kid was managing to hold on at all.

Yeah, that would be enough for me not to do it, their just not strong enough.

[RT527]

Mmm...think you are missing the point...your choice but what about the kids...sorry but that is a selfish attitude because really it is you who wants the fun as well..

Mummy mummy i want to go for a ride on the scooter..please please please take me for a ride....after a few times I guess mum relented...Now i`m only surmising that this is what happened based on the fact that I have 3 children myself .
I cant see where mum would be enjoying it just for herself...

However I agree on some points of yours...I want the she`ll be right attitude gone too...but i don't want the responsibility nor our fundamental right to make our own decisions on what we do taken away from us because we simply couldn't do that it might put us in danger attitude.

Agreed it wasnt childs choice to die...wasnt even her mothers, Im sure if she had a choice it would be for her little girl to be around still....she`s not so its really a mute point on what the mother shouldnt have done!.

[Swoop]

OK folks.
The way this thread is going could get nasty.

PLEASE think about what you have written BEFORE you push the "Post message" button.

A child is dead and a family is suffering.

[laRIKin]

A bit fun?
Cheap transport because of the price of petrol?

Who cares?
It was the last thing anyone wanted.

RIP and condolences to the mother and family.

[Rollestonchick]

:no::crybaby::crybaby::crybaby: Such an unfortunate accident. RIP lil bubba. My heart goes out to the family and the truck driver,
I personally know the young truck driver involved in the accident, he does deliveries to where I work, a real politeful guy and a good driver. Just a real tragic accident for all concerned.:hug: truckie boy :grouphug: KB

[Grahameeboy]

Mummy mummy i want to go for a ride on the scooter..please please please take me for a ride....after a few times I guess mum relented...Now i`m only surmising that this is what happened based on the fact that I have 3 children myself .
I cant see where mum would be enjoying it just for herself...

However I agree on some points of yours...I want the she`ll be right attitude gone too...but i don't want the responsibility nor our fundamental right to make our own decisions on what we do taken away from us because we simply couldn't do that it might put us in danger attitude.

Agreed it wasnt childs choice to die...wasnt even her mothers, Im sure if she had a choice it would be for her little girl to be around still....she`s not so its really a mute point on what the mother shouldnt have done!.

As mentioned Adults make mistakes...kids suffer...happens too often and we want to make our own decisions?? I dunno

[scootnz]

In my experience very few children at the age of two have good enough language skills for that kind of request.

My two have grown up with scooters around, and just accept that we ride. They like sitting on them, and the youngest tries to kickstart them, but they never ask for a ride. Maybe they did and I always said no. I can't remember. They are two and a 1/2, and four and a 1/2.

I felt desolate reading about the father. It's really hard as a parent to hear these stories, because its the most heartbreaking nightmare that you never want to have happen to your child.



Mummy mummy i want to go for a ride on the scooter..please please please take me for a ride....after a few times I guess mum relented...Now i`m only surmising that this is what happened based on the fact that I have 3 children myself .
I cant see where mum would be enjoying it just for herself...

However I agree on some points of yours...I want the she`ll be right attitude gone too...but i don't want the responsibility nor our fundamental right to make our own decisions on what we do taken away from us because we simply couldn't do that it might put us in danger attitude.

Agreed it wasnt childs choice to die...wasnt even her mothers, Im sure if she had a choice it would be for her little girl to be around still....she`s not so its really a mute point on what the mother shouldnt have done!.

[RT527]

In my experience very few children at the age of two have good enough language skills for that kind of request.

My two have grown up with scooters around, and just accept that we ride. They like sitting on them, and the youngest tries to kickstart them, but they never ask for a ride. Maybe they did and I always said no. I can't remember. They are two and a 1/2, and four and a 1/2.

I felt desolate reading about the father. It's really hard as a parent to hear these stories, because its the most heartbreaking nightmare that you never want to have happen to your child.

yup,my two boys wouldn't have, but my little girl was very articulate at 18 months old and could express great desire to do something that looked exciting and kool...fair call tho...

[<Rhino>]

It's really hard as a parent to hear these stories, because its the most heartbreaking nightmare that you never want to have happen to your child.

Most definately. I wouldn't wish somthing like this on my worst enemy (figure of speach)

[quickbuck]

Mmm...think you are missing the point...your choice but what about the kids...sorry but that is a selfish attitude because really it is you who wants the fun as well..

The point was to the quote of "My son is 5 and I wouldn't dream of taking him on the bike".

As for me taking the kids for a ride, well it was because THEY wanted to go. Not me take them.
Incidently they oved it, and i have actually had them on some hot laps at Manfeild when they were bigger. again, no pressure. And No, never scared a passenger yet.

Anyhow, back on topic:
Yes, condolences for all involved in this tragity.

[Racing Dave]

From this morning's Chch Press:

A woman who lost control of a scooter when she had a two-year-old riding with her pleaded guilty in the Chch District Court yesterday to a charge of careless driving causing death.

...remanded on bail for probation report and sentence on January 23...

...scooter was hot wired...riding it up a shared driveway in Ferry Road and using the footpath, cycleway, and grass verge to turn around. She placed the toddler in front of her, and neither were wearing helmets...Saw a truck coming and lost control when she hit the gutter...police check found no fault with the bike.