November 15: Emma's ordeal (From Oxford Mail)

November 15: Emma's ordeal

Road accident victim Emma Dibdin has one consolation - her ordeal may help save other pedestrians from serious injury.

One of the quirks of life is that the more casualties there are on a road, the more quickly councils are likely to act with safety measures.

The teenager's accident could well push Headley Way, Headington, up the league table.

The road is due to get three pedestrian crossings in 2004 - and that will not be a day too soon.

With work on one new hospital under way and others soon to follow, Headington is facing traffic chaos.

The county and city councils have yet to show that they are on top of the problem.

Controlling the traffic is only one of the challenges they face.

Pedestrians and cyclists need just as much consideration.