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A TikTok video showing a child jaywalking across a busy street sparked criticism about negligent parents and child safety.
TikToker @shwizzle13 posted the dashcam footage of a ball-capped youngster toting a backpack running across four lanes of traffic and narrowly being hit by oncoming traffic in both directions.
A voiceover narrates, "Parents please teach your kids to go to the crosswalk."
In the clip, the kid darted in front of the driver with the dashcam, and when they reached the other lanes running in the opposite direction, an oncoming silver truck slowed down for them to cross.
It would not have been surprising if the child was struck, given the close call.
@shwizzle13 PSA:could have been bad, use the crosswalk #fyp #kids #parents #scary #thankgod #waytooclose
The video went viral with 1.4 million views in just six days since posting.
TikToker Crystal Ruby wrote:
"I could just imagine how hard their hearts dropped. I know when kids have done this to me. My heart drops and I have to pull over because my anxiety goes through the roof."
"I have to wait until my heart calms down."
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Another TikToker, Yvonne, also shared her experience from a close call.
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Others were more direct, like TikToker Valdezie, who suggested parents who are negligent in teaching their kids proper public safety should be prepared for consequences.
"Unpopular opinion, if your kid doesn't use the crosswalk and they do this don't be surprised or angry if someone hits them. I said what I said."
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The same sentiment was shared by this user.
@shwizzle13/TikTok
People continued to weigh in with their frustrations after watching the heart-stopping footage.
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For the comments arguing there was no visible crosswalk, this TikToker suggested the old "look both ways before crossing" should have been considered.
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The footage serves as a good reminder to sit down and rehash the rules of the road with our young ones.
Because sparing a few moments to have the conversation about safety is far better than the alternative.