Police call for care around schools after deadly year on roads

As students return for the new school year, police are reminding motorists to slow down and take extra care around school zones.

It follows a devastating number of pedestrian fatalities in 2025, with 52 pedestrians killed, including four children aged 18 years or under.

Two of those losses were felt close to home, with a six-year-old boy killed while walking to school in Teesdale and a 15-year-old boy struck in Bendigo.

Police are calling on drivers to reduce speed near schools and remain alert 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.

“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.

“Slowing down means everyone can get to school and return home safely at the end of the day.”

There will be an increased police presence as schools return to ensure motorists are 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 onto the roads to assist children to safely cross the road.

Police have witnessed and issued 53 infringements to motorists for failing to stop at a children’s crossing in the past four years.