With thousands of children returning to school this week for the first term of 2025, Victoria Police and RACV are reminding motorists to slow down and take extra care around school zones.
It follows a devastating number of pedestrian fatalities in 2024, with 48 pedestrians killed, including three children aged 12 years or under.
Sadly, all three children were at, or commuting to and from school when they were hit by a vehicle.
State Highway Patrol Inspector Nicole Yin said with kids heading back to school this week, they want everyone to take extra care when travelling around school zones.
“Children are amongst our most vulnerable road users. They’re less developed physically, cognitively and have less experience around traffic. It’s up to all of us to ensure kids are protected,” she said.
“For motorists, this means slowing down and being more alert around schools. 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,”
“Please also consider the vulnerability of our school crossing supervisors, who work tirelessly to keep our kids safe. Police will be highly visible around school zones this week to ensure everyone is adhering to the reduced speed limits. Slowing down means everyone can get to school and return home safely.”
Police are urging motorists to slow down around school zones and be on the lookout for children walking or crossing the roads.
There will be an increased police presence around schools this week 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 safely across the road.
A 63-year-old Wodonga school crossing supervisor was killed after he was struck by a vehicle on Melrose Drive, Wodonga on Friday 2 February last year, during the first week of school.
Police have witnessed and issued 42 infringements to motorists for failing to stop at a children’s crossing over the past three financial years (July 2021 – June 2024).
The penalty for failing to stop and remain stationary at a children’s crossing is $494 and three demerit points.
Police say speed and distraction are major factors in collisions around schools and will be on the lookout for drivers failing to adhere to the speed limit or using mobile devices while driving around schools.
Police issued 12,867 speeding infringements between 6am and 9am, Monday to Friday in the last financial year (July 2023 – June 2024).
While not all speeding infringements issued between 6am and 9am on weekdays occurred in school zones, police say it highlights that motorists are being caught speeding during a time of day renowned for commuting to school and work, and coincides with increased pedestrian activity which is particularly concerning.
Exceeding the speed limit by less than 10km/h attracts a $247 fine and one demerit point, but increases to $395 and three demerit points if the speed limit exceeds 10km/h but less than 25km/h.
According to the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), around seven children aged 0 to 15 die each year on Victorian roads.
RACV General Manager Mobility Julia Hunter said she encourages everyone to do their part to make school zones safe.
“School zones are crucial areas where road safety must always be top of mind. Children are at risk around roads because they are less visible, and have a reduced ability to judge time, speed and distance,” said Ms Hunter.
“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.”
Some school speed zones are permanent and in effect 24/7, while other school speed zones are only operational during certain hours and days. These time-based school speed zones are usually in effect between 8.00am to 9.30am and 2.30pm to 4.00pm weekdays during Victorian school terms (excluding public holidays).
School speed zones are usually reduced to 40km per hour on roads where the regular speed limit is less than 80km per hour. Where the regular speed limit is 80km per hour or more, the school speed zone usually reduces the limit to 60km per hour.
RACV has the following advice for drivers during school pick-up and drop-offs:
Stay alert: Be patient, aware, and exercise caution when driving through school zones. There will be a lot of excited children walking and riding around roads, car parks and driveways, especially during the busy pick-up and drop-off times.
Observe speed limits: Keep a keen eye out for change of speed limits and reduce your speed before entering school speed zones.
Reduce distraction: Ensure that mobile devices and other distractions are out of reach or turned off while driving.
Be mindful of school buses: Give way to a bus moving into the traffic and be careful of children exiting and entering buses.
Consider parking further away: Park your car a few blocks away and walk to encourage a more active lifestyle, while helping to alleviate congestion.
Consider turning your engine off: Don’t idle your engine as you wait. Studies from around the world suggest idling engines in traffic and around schools are detrimental to children’s health.
Use children’s crossings or zebra crossings: Look out for the bright orange ‘children crossing’ flags. Whenever those flags are displayed, road users must stop for any pedestrians waiting to cross. This applies regardless of whether a crossing supervisor is present. Remain stopped until the crossing is clear and do not block crossings.
