Back To School - But Don't Rush!
Children go back to school in the coming weeks– but parents are the ones who need to remember the school rules!
School speed zones will be back in action from 30th January 2012 and drivers are reminded that speed zones reduce to 40km between 8 and 9.30am and between 2.30 and 4pm.
School speed limits have been in place since 2003 and are designed to make it safer for kids around traffic at school drop off and pick up times.
Wyndham Mayor, Kim McAliney, who is a representative on the Roadsafe Westgate Community Road Safety Council, said children can behave unpredictably around roads and, because they are small, can be harder to see.
“Drivers also need to pay attention to parking restriction signs including bus stops, disabled parking, and ‘No Standing’ signs,” Cr McAliney said.
“Never double park near the school gate and keep clear of the children’s crossings by leaving 20m clear on the approach side and 10m clear on the departure side to ensure good visibility for users of the crossing.”
“We have approximately 40,000 school aged children (5 to 19) in Wyndham this year, and at the most recent census 9.9% of our population were attending primary school and 7.6% of the population were attending secondary institutions,”
“That’s a large part of our community who are going to school, and it’s our responsibility as drivers to help keep them safe by obeying the school speed zones.”
“School crossing supervisors will also be back in action, assisting young people at intersections. We have 70 school crossing supervisors working every school day in Wyndham and they do a great job.”
Cr McAliney said there are a range of things you can do to help your children be safer around roads:
- Remember that children do not have the skills to be around road traffic on their own.
- Children learn road safety habits by watching and copying others, so set a good example.
- Try parking a few streets away and walk with your children.
- Check that your child always stops, looks, listens and thinks when crossing the road.
- Tell your child about road laws in simple terms. Go for rides and walks together.
- Together, plan safe routes to school and places your child often visits.
- Make sure your children wear helmets when riding and are properly secured when travelling in cars.
- Ask at your child's school what traffic safety programs are taught.
“So be safe near crossings and take care of our kids and our crossing guards. Let’s all work together to help keep our school kids safe.”