With thousands of children returning to school this week for the first term of 2025, police 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.
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.
Parents, carers and teachers can also help prioritise road safety by teaching children how to stop, look, listen and think when crossing the road, and supervising young children around roads.
For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.
Quotes attributable to State Highway Patrol Inspector, Nicole Yin:
"With kids heading back to school this week, we 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.
"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."
