The safety of children on roads is again in the spotlight with the recent death of a girl in a hit-and-run incident. Trainee reporter Cedric Ah Colt and Photographer Piui Simi talk to members of the public to get their views.

Alpha Pelenato, 18, Matautu Lefaga and Tiavea.

“Each day, my parents drive all the way from Matautu Lefaga and we never once have experienced a car crash with both my parents in the vehicle. My mother and father always drive with care because they do not worry about anything that is less important than their children. Anyhow, my biggest advice to mothers and fathers is for their children to be as important as how a human being loves and takes care of himself or herself. Samoan parents are so responsible, I am proud of that. However, accidents happen and no one knows where and when."

Soesa Maualaivao, 55, Malie.

“This is not the first time Samoa talks about these issues, it happened years ago and I thought it ended and faded away slowly. I believe that the drivers are not skilled enough to touch the steering wheel. Some of them got their licenses through their families and friends,  without going through the process. I advise new drivers and young drivers not to practice for once and then be on the road the next day. I have been driving for a very long time and I believe that driving with caution will stop these types of accidents."

Elia Sio, 38, Patamea Savai’i and Leauvaa.

“I am a taxi driver and for all these years, children’s safety has always been my priority. Parents are supposed to drop off and pick up their children from school before and after. This issue is between the drivers and the parents and happens often. I recommend the drivers to drive with care and caution for the safety of our own children."

Felaua'i Falefa, 60, Saleimoa.

“In this case I must say, the parents are so irresponsible these days. If my children were always safe when they were in their younger age, so how come this new generation isn’t? The youngsters are always our major priority. I am old which means I watched each generation grow and change, the young mothers now are at the same age as my children and are so irresponsible."