POLICE have warned parents about the dangers of darkness after a child was knocked over on Chickerell Road, Weymouth.

PC John Withers said the boy was injured after running out between parked cars.

He added: "This youngster could have been killed and his lucky escape was down to the quick reactions of the shocked driver.

"The incident underlines the need for parents to think about their child when a son or daughter goes out at night.

"Always ensure that they wear light clothing, preferably with a reflective strip to make them as visible as possible.

"Parents should also attempt to accompany a child at night but, if this is not possible, they should ensure that the youngster knows better than to dash out between parked cars when it is dark.

"Instead they should be encouraged to use crossings or open areas where drivers can see them easily."

PC Withers added that experience showed children did not concentrate as much on road safety as they should do.

He said: "The Chickerell Road incident could have been a tragedy and unless children and parents heed our warning then the next accident may see a child pay the ultimate price for carelessness."

He added that schools could also help reinforce their safety message by ensuring that pupils knew the right way to cross a road at night.

"Now that the clocks have gone back children are increasingly having to go home when the light is poor.

"These sorts of conditions allied to a sudden rush of children out on to streets as they leave school is a situation just waiting for an accident to happen.

"We need teachers to ensure that their classes know not to run across roads but to use school crossing patrols to get across the road safely.

"Parents can also meet their children to help minimise road dangers and they, too, should wear light or reflective clothing."