The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is issuing a firm warning following reports of schoolchildren deliberately sitting in the middle of roadways as a dare or challenge to oncoming motorists.
Let us be clear: this behaviour is reckless, it is dangerous, and it will not be tolerated.
A child sitting in the path of a moving vehicle is one moment away from tragedy. A driver who is forced to swerve or brake suddenly may lose control, putting the child, the driver, passengers, pedestrians and other road users at grave risk of serious injury or death. No trend, no dare and no social media video is worth a life.
The TTPS is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness. Active investigations are under way and the TTPS will take all appropriate action under the law against anyone found to be engaging in, encouraging, recording or promoting this conduct.
The public will be updated on the progress of these investigations.
A Direct Call to Parents and Guardians:
Parents and guardians, the responsibility begins at home. We are calling on you to:
- Speak to your children today about the dangers of this behaviour.
- Know where your children are before and after school.
- Monitor their online activity for content promoting such challenges.
- Make it clear that this conduct is unacceptable and has
consequences.
School administrators, teachers and community leaders are also urged to address this matter directly with students.
Motorists are asked to exercise heightened vigilance in and around school zones and residential areas, especially during school arrival and dismissal times.
Anyone with information on these incidents, or on persons recording and circulating such content, is asked to contact the nearest police station or call 999 / 555 / 800-TIPS. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.
The TTPS will not stand by while our children put their lives at risk.
Protect them.
Talk to them.
Act now.