"Extra care urged on roads as kids begin returning to school"

As some schools and pre-schools begin reopening this week after the holidays, Police are reminding motorists to take extra care on the roads.

Police will be doing their part by strictly enforcing speed limits around school zones and targeting behaviour that puts our most vulnerable road users at risk.

‘With some children beginning to return to kindergarten and school this week, and 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 these areas, hence the need for extra care," says Acting National Manager Road Policing, Inspector Pete McKennie.

"It’s important therefore that all drivers be aware of their speed and keep a sharp look out for children, particularly as there will be more kids walking, cycling and bussing to school.

This means slowing down and giving yourself enough time and space to stop suddenly if needed, as well as giving cyclists plenty of room and travelling at no more than 20km/h past a stationary school bus."

A permanent 4km/h reduced speed threshold remains in place around all school zones, and Police will be strictly enforcing the limit within 250m of school boundaries with speed cameras and a range of other tactics, Mr McKennie says.

Police will also be focusing on child restraints, cycle safety, and vehicles being parked on broken yellow lines or in unsafe locations.

"Sadly, since 2007, more than 1180 child pedestrians have been killed or injured during school terms, and that is far too many.

Our mission is to prevent and reduce further crashes involving children and help to keep them safe.

"Children can be unpredictable, so motorists need to be well prepared to stop safely in and around school zones.

"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 McKennie 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 school holidays come to an end.

"Our advice is to give yourself plenty of time to ensure that you arrive at your destination safely and without additional stress."

ENDS

Top tips for motorists:

• Be alert for children; they can be unpredictable.

• 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.

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