As schools reopen from this week, Police are reminding motorists to take extra care on the roads to safeguard our most vulnerable road users.
"With schools across the country reopening over this week and next, and with traffic flows in these areas returning to normal levels, let's do everything we can to safeguard our kids as they walk and cycle to school – some of them for the first time," says Superintendent Carey Griffiths, National Manager Road Policing.
"New pedestrians and cyclists are still building confidence and don’t have ability to anticipate dangerous situations. They are vulnerable road users, so it’s critical that we encourage them to take extra care.
"And with 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 school areas," Mr Griffiths 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."
Motorists are also reminded that there is a permanent reduced 4km/hr speed threshold in place around schools, which has been in place since 2007.
"Children can be unpredictable, so motorists need to be well prepared to stop safely in and around school zones," Mr Griffiths 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 Griffiths 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. Motorways and other routes may also experience increased traffic congestion as the holidays come to an end.
ENDS
Tips for motorists:
- Be alert for children; they can be unpredictable
- Remember that there is a permanent reduced 4km/hr speed threshold in place around all schools.
- 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:
- 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.