With the Spring school holidays coming to an end and students heading back to school, Victorians are asked to make safe driving their number-one priority.
Minister for Roads, Road Safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford said that when drivers get behind the wheel, they need to put the phone down and keep their eyes on the road.
Distractions also come from the backseat, so make sure the kids are occupied. Try writing down game ideas before setting off and don’t forget to pack device charging cables or portable batteries.
It’s been a devastating year to date on Victoria’s roads, with 207 deaths, compared to 154 at the same time last year. The majority of these deaths have occurred on regional roads, where 115 people have died.
When many students head back to class on Monday morning, school speed zones will be in force from 8am.
School speed zones are designed to keep pedestrians safe by lowering the speed limit at peak times when children are travelling to and from school.
To help keep kids safe, drivers should be extra cautious, as young children can be unpredictable and difficult to see.
As parents, we have a responsibility to teach kids about road rules and safety, and to always demonstrate good behaviour by using designated crossings.
School crossing supervisors will also be back, helping children cross the road safely while coming to and from school
For more information on how to be a safe road user visit vicroads.vic.gov.au
As stated by Minister for Roads, Road Safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford
“With speed zones back in force and the weather warming up, now is the perfect time to walk or ride to school.”
“There’ll be an increase in pedestrians, particularly young kids, around schools from Monday, so it’s vital that drivers pay attention to the changes to speed limits.”
“When drivers ignore crossing supervisors and flout the road rules, they’re not only setting a bad example, but they’re putting children’s lives at risk.”