Editor

Too many over my life have taken risks - from coronavirus, to drinking and smoking.

With coronavirus we cannot see, smell or hear the virus, by smoking and drinking we can see and smell it. It is our actions we must be aware of with all viruses and other risks - and take precautions from contamination.

There are so many risks we take with actions we take.

When in 1969 I swore an oath to Queen Elizabeth II it was to protect life and property as a police officer. An incident at Capitol Square in Carmarthen, a young boy approximately four, crossed the road from the cattle market to the square, he saw me and ran back across the road. I did not see him again.

The following day I went to Pentre Porth Primary School, informed the headmaster. I asked if I could speak to all his pupils of the risk this boy took when he crossed the road alone. He agreed.

Who do you blame? The parents who lost him, myself in police uniform, motorists?

As a result of this I visited schools in Carmarthen, Aberystwyth, other schools in Ceredigion, to speak about dangers at home, on beaches, in shops, traffic, strangers: awareness prevents risks.

The most dangerous place for pupils was at home, when I asked them if they had hurt themselves at home, the hands would go up.

The Highway Code gives us guidelines so that we do not take risks.

We must, if possible, not take risks to protect ourselves and others from actions we take.

It is the responsibility of the government to make protection of life top of the agenda. You cannot rely on the private sector and charity to fill the gaps.

D A Thomas Southgate Aberystwyth

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