NOW the dark nights of winter are behind us, we should be looking forward to fewer accidents on our roads.

But Easter brings its own dangers. Children will be playing out till late in the evening. And holiday traffic will increase, notably the many motorcyclists who enjoy riding on North Yorkshire's roads.

Today we tell two stories which should make every road user stop and think.

Charlotte Leighton was on her way to school when she was struck by a car. The ten-year-old suffered injuries that may well have proved fatal but for a swift response from passers-by, and the speed and skill of the medical team.

From the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to the surgeon who carried out pioneering operations at Leeds General Infirmary, these dedicated professionals have pieced Charlotte back together.

Whatever the circumstances of this horrific accident, it should prompt parents to drum the road safety rules into their children, while reminding drivers to be alert to the fact that more youngsters are out and about in the spring sunshine.

Another split second shattered Paul Carr's life. He was left paralysed after his motorbike was in collision with a car. Today he urges both bikers and drivers to be more aware of one another as North Yorkshire Police re-launched their Bike Safe campaign. Some motorcyclists feel they have become a persecuted minority, with the dangerous actions of a few tarring them all as reckless thrill seekers. That is clearly unfair.

We can only hope today's courageous message from a biker cruelly forced from the road persuades riders and drivers to look out for one another this summer.

Updated: 09:21 Wednesday, April 05, 2006