How much is too much?

Today Maarten almost got run over by a car when walking to school. The person reversing out of the parking spot didn't look behind her before starting to back out.
She was only centimeters away from hitting Maarten. He had to jump back.

I know Maarten is still a little guy but come on! I am not that hard to see!
She was just backing out without checking. In fact, she didn’t even know we were passing. She was really surprised when I knocked on her window.
Well, it can happen...

Yet this accident doesn’t really surprise me.

Every day I’m relieved when I safely reach our driveway.

I still haven't gotten used to the Belgian driving style. I don’t understand how such friendly and timid people got that aggressive as soon as they sit in the car.

Everyday I’m confronted with impatience, rubbernecking, harassing, speeding... you name it!

I also noticed that people react surprised when I yield to them, even the pedestrians in crosswalks.
Would someone wait when I need to drive out of the parking space? Forget about it!

In my opinion the local driving is everything but courteous and very far from safe.

Speaking about safety, what do you think about little kids being transported without a car seat and even without a seat belt?! I even see children hanging out of car windows on sunny days!

There was a birthday party in Maarten’s class the other day and to get all the children to the party they all cramped into one car as long as they fitted.

I know I’m probably comparing again with the US where everything is about safety and precautions but considering our kids safety, how much is too much?

PS: Photo Courtesy of Miss G.