Drivers urged to slow down, take care around schools

ROYAL Automobile Club of Victoria and Transport Accident Commission staff, alongside local government representatives, are urging all road users to keep a lookout for children and to respect school zone speed limits now that Term 1 has begun.

About seven young people under the age of 15 die annually on roads across Victoria, according to the TAC.

“School zones are crucial areas where road safety must always be top of mind,” RACV mobility general manager Julia Hunter said.

“Children are at risk around roads because they are less visible, and have a reduced ability to judge time, speed and distance.

“RACV is encouraging parents and carers to plan ahead, and where possible, consider parking further away from the school, as congestion increases the likelihood of collisions.

“Consider walking or riding with your children to school while demonstrating safe behaviours. This includes using children’s crossings or zebra crossings, meeting children on the same side of the road, and being bicycle safe.

“Children aged 12 and under, as well as accompanying adults, are allowed to ride on the footpath in Victoria.

“All children and adults riding on the footpath must still wear a helmet.

“Parents may think that providing their child with an e-scooter may help with the school commute and congestion, however these are in fact illegal for children under 16 to use on our roads and footpaths.”

School speed zones are usually 40kmh between 8am and 9.30am, and 2.30pm and 4pm on weekdays in areas where the speed limit would otherwise be 50 or 60kmh.

Where a road is usually 80kmh or more, a school zone speed limit is generally 60kmh.

Some special school zone speeds are always in effect.

In the City of Ballarat, mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said municipal crossing supervisors have seen drivers not paying attention around schools.

“It’s certainly disappointing to have reports like this coming in so often,” Cr Hargreaves said.

“We know that kids can be distracted when walking or cycling with their friends or listening to music on their phones.

“We also know motorists are often in a hurry in the mornings. It’s a bad combination.

“It demonstrates how important it is to have supervisors at the crossings to monitor the activity of road users and ensure everyone gets on their way safely.

“The school zones operate for a small amount of time during the day, and we all have a responsibility to pay attention and abide by the rules for the sake of students, motorists and our crossing supervisors.

“It’s a simple matter of keeping everyone safe as kids travel to and from school.”