IT DOESN'T matter where we decide to go in our car.

Work, the shops, school or play.

One thing is always the same.

We usually drive across footpaths, via driveways, at the start or finish of our trip.

Sometimes our travels take us over several footpaths as we travel from place to place.

The footpath, nature strip, whatever you call it, provides a buffer between our property and the roadway.

It's also supposed to provide a safe place for pedestrians to use.

Supposed to!!

It does really bother me though how some people, by their actions, don't appear to take the very real possibility of hitting a pedestrian with their car, either on the footpath or on their driveway, all that seriously.

It happens.

Around 70 children are run over in driveways alone in Australia every year with an average of seven of them killed.

Hundreds more pedestrians, cyclists and others are struck by cars whilst they think they are travelling safely and legally on footpaths.

As a society we need to be much more careful!

My postman, Flanno, brought this to my attention the other day whilst we were having a chat at the letterbox.

He told me that crossing driveways on his postie bike, whilst he is going about the very important task of delivering our mail, scares the life out of him every single day.

And I believe him.

I place tremendous respect in his opinion.

Let's face it.

The postman must deal with crazy and frenzied dogs every day.

That takes guts.

And this particular postie, the afore-mentioned Flanno, is also an aficionado of, collector of and rider of arguably the craziest classic Japanese motorcycle of all time.

The Kawasaki Mach IV, 750cc 2 stroke triple, H2.

Affectionately or "infamously” known as the "Widow-maker.”

If Flanno tells me something worries him, a guy who's been riding these untamable things for 40 odd years.

I pay serious attention.

So please, take care when crossing footpaths in your vehicle.

Look left and right.

Drive slowly.

If you are reversing, always turn your head and look over your shoulder and through the back window before and during the reversing.

I can't imagine how horrible it would feel to run someone over, especially your own child.

I'd like to say it doesn't bear thinking about - but think about it we should - and do better we must.

I couldn't stand it if Postman Flanno got run over either.

I mean who would deliver all my essential eBay purchases then.

Must have stuff.

Like my camping Hibachi, Rodeo belt buckles, 32 tooth brushes, 18 pairs of gloves, buffalo horns, sail boat fuel ......