This is the shocking moment when a driver crashed into a 12-year-old cyclist – after pulling out without looking.

The footage shows how a serious accident can be caused by a moment’s carelessness on the roads.

As the weather improves, Sussex Police is urging drivers and cyclists to look out for each other in a bid to reduce the annual bike death toll.

Last year four cyclists were killed in Sussex and a further 145 were seriously injured.

Across the country the number of cyclists killed increased from 107 to 118 between 2011 and 2012. More than 3,000 cyclists were seriously injured in each of those two years.

The CCTV footage was recorded on the A259 in Chichester in 2012.

The 41-year-old motorist was convicted of driving without due care and attention and was given three points on his licence, ordered to pay £85 costs, an £85 fine and a £20 victim surcharge.

Sergeant Carl Knapp said: “Fortunately in this case the cyclist escaped with bumps and bruises but it could have been a lot worse.

“Despite being just a few yards away, the car driver completely failed to look for the cyclist.”

He added: “My message to all road users is look once, look twice and then look a third time if you have to – whatever you need to do to make sure you keep yourself and other people safe.

“Seventy per cent of collisions where cyclists suffer serious harm or are killed happen at junctions.

“I would urge all road users to reflect on this and to take that opportunity to double check their view at junctions before passing through.”

The force has issued a number of tips for both cyclists and drivers.

Drivers are advised to look out for bikes and make eye contact with the cyclist where possible.

Also they should use indicators to signal their intentions so that cyclists can react, give them plenty of space and always check before opening their car door.

Cyclists are urged to ride positively, decisively and well clear of the kerb, and to look and signal to show drivers their intentions.

They should also avoid riding up the inside of large vehicles, always use lights, and wear light coloured or reflective clothing and a correctly fitted cycle helmet.