Motorists are being warned to slow down and be extra vigilant in school zones when school returns from Tuesday, April 18.
Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said drivers needed to heed school zone speed limit signs and stay alert to help keep students safe.
“There will be more traffic on the road as school resumes and a greater potential for excited school children to dart out unexpectedly from behind cars,” he said.
“The lower speed limits will be enforced around schools to help counter this and keep our children safe.
“Please slow down around schools during the specified school zone times, usually 7am to 9am and 2pm to 4pm, unless otherwise signed.
“You’ll have a much better chance of stopping in time if you are travelling at the correct speed.”
Parents and carers have been asked to remind children about how they can stay safe on and around the road, especially if they are travelling to or from school independently.
Mr Bailey said children should be reminded to use traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, designated railway crossings and highly visible road crossing points.
“If they ride their bike or skateboard, make sure they wear their helmet and safety gear and remind them of the safest route to travel,” he said.
“For those catching the bus or train, encourage them to leave with plenty of time to spare so they aren’t tempted to rush near the road to catch their service.
“We all use the roads so much every day, sometimes it’s easy to forget just how dangerous they can be, especially for children who can often be distracted by their friends, their phone or music.
“Please encourage them to stay focused on walking or riding safely.”
