Dangerous children’s games at the Shakhta in Uzhgorod

Heavy snowfall this year has brought much joy to children who are happy to go sledding and skiing on all suitable hills.

Uzhgorod neighbourhood Shakhta is lucky in this respect – there is a mountain nearby and a forest of the UzhNU Biosphere Reserve. There are many paths among the trees, that have become excellent trails for downhill sledding – steep, long, with turns, "bumpers" and bends. And therefore, a cheerful children’s laughter and noise on the mountain does not stop until it’s dark.

But there is also a huge problem: the trail ends on the edge of the road. And a busy one at that, as Timiryazev street is one of the main entrances to Uzhgorod from the bypass road. And that is why several accidents have already happened there: unable to stop in time, children end up on the road, literally under the wheels of vehicles.

The situation is aggravated due to slippery winter road, where it is difficult to stop a car in time and retain control over it…

This year, fortunately, there have been no tragedies at this spot. Local drivers are aware of this danger and always slow down.

However, we appeal to parents: if your children regularly sled down this hill, please stay at the foot to be able to stop the sled in time.

The second request I would like to address to the local government: we understand that it would be inefficient, and simply inhumane to ban sledding there. But maybe, you can install at least some kind of fence on the edge of the road? It could be made of old tires, which would damp the impacts. Or do you have other ideas?

Based on weather forecasts, snow in Uzhgorod will remain for a long time. On Monday, lessons at schools will begin, so we can assume that children will be sledding mostly in the evening, when poor visibility will become another hazard.

So it is really necessary to try to avoid potential tragedy.