A young girl who was caught on dash-cam footage dicing with death as she ran out in front of a moving car using a busy South Derbyshire roundabout has split opinion among Burton Mail readers.

The shocking dash-cam footage was captured by driver Kuromi Jenkins at the Tollgate island in Woodville. It has divided readers, with some claiming the girl had no sense by running out in front of a car, while others believe the driver was at fault saying she should realise danger could come from any direction.

The footage shows the darting in front of cars using the busy Tollgate roundabout - as her friends laugh when the youngster narrowly avoids being hit.

Driver Ms Jenkins had been stuck in traffic approaching the island as she was travelling from Burton. She was moving when a young girl ran out into the road narrowly missing her car.

She felt the girl could have been killed if Ms Jenkins' mother, who was sitting in the car with her at the time, had not shouted, alerting her to the youngster being there.

Tollgate Island dashcam footage
Tollgate Island dashcam footage

The video also shows two other girls apparently laughing at motorists following the young schoolgirl's dash.

Ms Jenkins has released the dash-cam footage to the Burton Mail in an attempt to warn others that if they try the same stunt it could end in tragedy. She said that the girl chose to run in front of her car, rather than waiting or crossing at a safer point.

Readers have now been split in their opinions on who was at fault.

Some believed the young girl was being dangerous.

Claire Adams wrote on the Burton Mail’s Facebook page: “What a stupid little girl. No sense or intelligence on this, obviously.”

Chrissy Ridgway agreed, saying: “She obviously has no sense here. There are three crossings in total - Swadlincote Road, High Street and Hartshorne Road. Use them especially when roads are busy.”

The incident happened near Burton Road, with Jennifer Cross saying: “There isn't a crossing on that section which is mad as there are bus stops each side of the road.”

Jake Bonner also slammed the girl’s actions, saying: “Don't people look before crossing the road any more? The lady was lucky she didn't hit the girl.”

While Frank Perks gave an insight into the reasoning behind the girl’s actions, saying: “It's called 'playing chicken'. I caught my middle son red-handed many years ago doing it. I gave him the biggest lathering of his life. They just don't realise how dangerous it is. Not only for them but also the driver.”

However, other readers felt that Ms Jenkins needed to have considered hazard perception and needed to be more aware of her surroundings for any dangers that may occur.

Roger Bean claimed on the Burton Mail’s website: "The passenger was more aware of the surroundings than she was.”

While Sigma said: "She should realise that danger can come from the side and not just in front of her.”

Mohammed Khan said: “Does hazard perception mean anything? Yes, the girl should not have run out in front like that. When you learn to drive you are taught about expecting things like this and the group can be seen clearly waiting on the paths.”

Sally Gibson agreed saying: “Watched the footage. The group is clearly visible on the right. It's the driver's responsibility to expect the unexpected although I agree she should not have run across the road, that's why you have to be alert at all times.”

The problem with the Tollgate island

Tollgate roundabout has long been a problem for motorists. It links five main roads and, as such, provides a direct route for anyone travelling from Burton and Swadlincote to Ashby and vice versa.

The main issue is the increase in housing developments in the vicinity which have led to more and more vehicles struggling to use the island.

With no traffic lights installed, the island is a free-for-all and drivers often hold their breath in an attempt to navigate themselves through.

It is hoped that the much-needed bypass, known as the Swadlincote Regeneration Route, will go some way to alleviate the strain on the island by creating a bypass. However, plans for this have yet to be submitted.