This is the heart-stopping moment an alert driver braked just inches away from a toddler dashing across a street in the Philippines.

Jasmin Zaragosa was driving along a residential area when a little girl emerged from the street in Pampanga province, on October 17.

The shocked motorist was heard shouting in the background while the scared girl backed off and ran back to her house.

Dashcam footage shows the youngster aiming for the other side of the street as the car approached.

Jasmin said: ‘I was terrified. What if we hit the little girl? The parents should not let their children out of their sight, especially the little ones.'

The driver who was with her husband at the time talked to the girl's parents after the traumatising incident.

Driver Jasmin added: ‘I hope the little girl also learns her lesson to be careful on the street.'

The girl was unhurt while her parents apologised to the driver.