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More on KentOnline
Alarming dashcam footage shows the moment a schoolgirl came within a split-second of being mown down by a car after it failed to stop at a red light.
Alicia Atkins, 15, escaped with just minor injuries after the driver of the vehicle slammed on her brakes at the final moment, colliding only with the teenager’s leg.
But the youngster’s mum says the incident in Ashford “could have been so much worse”, revealing how she was left feeling “sick” after watching the video back.
Ashleigh Atkins, 38, has now called on the driver – who left the scene in what is thought to have been a Volkswagen Tiguan – to take responsibility for her actions.
“She didn’t even stop - it was a mum who was walking on the other side of the road who checked on Alicia,” she said.
“So she failed to stop at a red light, hit a child and then just drove off without making sure she was OK.
“What’s blown our minds is the lack of responsibility being taken by the driver.
“I understand she may be a mum and was scared and embarrassed, but if she’s local she probably uses that route every day. So I want to know what her excuse is.”
Alicia was walking home from the John Wallis Academy at the time of the incident at about 3.30pm on Friday.
The traffic light was showing red for drivers when she was struck on the crossing near the Park Farm Tesco store.
Her mum said: “I have always said to my daughters, ‘use crossings because that’s the safest thing to do’.
“Alicia waited for the green man and crossed the road, but said the car suddenly started screeching, went into her and drove off. The light was red for cars at the time.
“I was at work when it happened and just felt sick when I saw [the video].”
The footage shows a startled Alicia continuing to walk to the other side of the road after being struck by the white car.
She was then helped by a passerby who had witnessed what had happened.
Taytania Tolputt, who captured the incident on her dashcam, also stopped to check the youngster was OK.
“I was just heading out of Tesco and saw the traffic lights change with plenty of time to notice - hence why I stopped pretty slowly,” she said.
“Then I saw the white car going pretty quick and [the light] was red - the next thing I see is the girl about to get hit by the car.
“So I beeped my horn, as what else could I have done, and thankfully they stopped.
“Maybe they noticed before I beeped my horn, but they had ample time to slow down as the light was red as they exited the roundabout.”
The impact of the collision caused Alicia’s leg to swell, with a large bruise later appearing.
“It’s up towards the top of her thigh and hip and has shown up during the last few days,” said her mum.
“She is a bit tender now but is OK, but it’s just scary, shocking and could have been so much worse.”
Kent Police says it has been made aware of the incident and is now investigating further.
A spokesperson said: “Kent Police was contacted on Sunday, March 16, and it was reported that a collision involving a car and a pedestrian had taken place in Moatfield Meadow, Ashford, at around 3.30pm on Friday.
“The pedestrian reportedly sustained minor injuries which did not require medical treatment.
“The force’s traffic summons team are making enquiries to establish the full circumstances.”
