With the return of the Victorian school year, police are advising motorists to slow down and take care around school zones.
The messaging follows concerning pedestrian fatality statistics from last year, with 52 pedestrians losing their lives, including four children aged 18 years or under.
Two of those lives lost were a six-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy, both making their way to school when tragedy struck.
As Term 1 begins, police are urging all drivers to slow down in school zones and watch carefully for children walking or crossing roads.
“With the return of the school term this week, we want everyone to take extra care when travelling around school zones,” road policing assistant commissioner Glenn Weir said.
“Children are amongst our most vulnerable road users, and it’s up to all of us to ensure they’re protected.
“For motorists, this means slowing down and remaining alert around school zones and crossings.”
Police said there would be increased police presence as schools returned to ensure motorists were adhering to the reduced speed limits.
Motorists should also be on the lookout for school crossing supervisors and consider their safety as they step out on to the roads to assist children and safely cross the road.
Over the past four financial years, police have witnessed and issued 53 infringements to motorists for failing to stop at a children’s crossing, and issued 8916 speeding infringements between 6am and 9am, Monday to Friday, in the last financial year.
While not all of the latter occurred in school zones, police say it highlights that motorists are being caught speeding during a time of day renowned for increased pedestrian activity, which is particularly concerning.
Mr Weir said parents, carers and teachers could also help prioritise road safety through education.
“We’re also asking parents, carers and teachers to talk to children about the importance of road safety and teach them to stop, look, listen and think when crossing the road,” he said.
“Police will be highly visible around school zones this week to ensure reduced speed limits are adhered to.
“Slowing down means everyone can get to school and return home safely at the end of the day.”
For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads, visit police.vic.gov.au/road-safety
34°C