Crocs - do you own them?? Beware!

"Escalator injuries with rubber clogs on the rise" reported The Straits Times on their Home section on 3 December.  It reported that KKH has 'counted eight such incidents' from the beginnning of the year up to November.  We have read about the many injuries suffered and the near-misses reported.  Why do parents still buy their children the popular brand of rubber clogs?

Stylish, affordable and/or fashionable these sandals are, I have never fallen into the trap of getting a pair.  Neither for ourselves nor for our precious darlings.  After reading all those reports with the adverse news / consequences on them, I am petrified.  I do not want a day where I will have to be interviewed on how my child's / children's toes get trapped between the steps of the escalator!

Some people have reported how light the crocs are, and how they feel a 'wobble' when they are on the escalator that may cause accidents too.  I opine that parents should, for the sake of safety of their children, consider carefully if the sandals are worth the risk.

Still, to each his own.  If you feel there is no cause for concern, and you are not going to fall victim to accidents involving such sandals, I still urge you to read some safety tips the newspaper suggested in that edition:
1.  Do not allow children to ride escalators unsupervised.
2.  Adults should be on the same step, and not behind, their children.
3.  Children should face the front and hold the hand-grip firmly if they can reach them.
4.  Ensure children stand in the middle of a step and not at the edge.  Footwear can be easily trapped when their feet are at the steps' edges.
5.  Be careful of the children's clothing that may get trapped in hte grooves of escalators.
6.  Do not let your children sit or play whilst on escalator steps.
7.  Do not allow your children to lean on the handrails.

We sometimes do not take note of some seemingly trivial safety tips, until it is too late.  I hope everyone stay safe with the festive season looming.  Merry Christmas!