As the school holidays come to a close, Hawkes Bay Police are reminding motorists to take extra care on the roads and around schools from next week.
“As part of our commitment to keeping kids safe, Hawkes Bay Police will be conducting a campaign to enforce speed zones around schools, including the 20km/h speed restriction that applies around school buses when loading and unloading children,” says Senior Sergeant Stu Fleming, Prevention Manager Road Policing.
“School speed zones are there for very good reasons to help protect our most vulnerable road users, and have been introduced at schools during specific times when there are high numbers of children moving to and from the school. These zones are clearly identified with signs and road markings, so there’s no excuse for ignoring them. Children are especially vulnerable around moving vehicles and if struck by a vehicle travelling at 50km/h, they have a less than a 50% chance of surviving the impact. The last thing any of us wants is to have to deal with the tragedy of a child being killed or seriously injured as they head back to school.”
Mr Fleming says motorists can expect to see police patrols at schools and at urban and rural bus stops throughout the week, and if caught exceeding the speed limits they should expect to be stopped.
“Also with children returning to school on Monday and many families getting back into the routine of the school drop off and pick up, there is going to be more congestion on the roads in and around schools," he says.
"It’s important therefore that all drivers be aware of their speed and keep a watch out for children, particularly as there will be more kids walking, cycling and bussing to school. This means sticking to the speed limit, giving cyclists plenty of room and travelling at no more than 20km/h past a stationary school bus.
"Children can also be unpredictable, so motorists need to be well prepared to stop safely in and around school zones," Mr Fleming says.
"Returning to school is often an exciting time for kids as they rush to catch up with friends, so they can be easily distracted and may not be paying as much attention to their surroundings. Parents are encouraged to re-establish safe walking and biking habits with their kids, even if it is a well-travelled route.
"If parents are able to walk to school with their kids, showing the safest place to cross roads, reminding them to look left and right and looking out for cars, they will be better prepared to keep themselves safe."
Mr Fleming says drivers are also reminded to be considerate and sensible by not parking on yellow lines, in bus zones or where it is unsafe to drop children off.
Highways and other routes may also experience increased traffic congestion as the holidays come to an end.
"Our advice is to give yourself plenty of time next week, to ensure that you arrive at your destination safely and without additional stress."
ENDS
Key tips for motorists:
• Be alert for children; they can be unpredictable
• Slow down in and near school zones or residential areas and come to a complete stop at all intersections.
• Look for clues such as crossing guards, bicycles and playgrounds which indicate children could be in the area.
• Scan between parked cars and other objects for signs that children could dart into the road.
• Always stop for school buses that are loading and unloading students.
• Allow plenty of time so you are not rushed as you travel to work or school.
Safe walking tips for parents include:
• Young children should be accompanied by an adult, older child, or a buddy.
• Involve children in selecting the safest route to school/home. Take a practice walk with your children along the route so they become familiar with it.
• Teach children to stop, listen and look for approaching and turning vehicles.
• Discuss the use of crosswalks, and why it's safer to cross at some corners rather than others.
• Discuss the meaning of traffic signals and markings along the route.
• Teach them to cooperate with police, school safety patrols and adult crossing guards.
• Set a good example for children - their actions and attitudes are modelled after yours.
When picking up or dropping off children:
• Ensure children get in and out on the footpath side of the car.
• Park safely, away from yellow lines, intersections and driveways.
• Don't double park outside a school. Park further away if necessary and walk with your children to and from the school gate.
• Drive slowly outside schools and be prepared to stop in case children dart out.
• Take extra care on wet days.