Drivers are being urged to slow down and be extra vigilant as kids ride to school this Friday 4 March, with National Ride to School Day seeing huge numbers of students cycling, walking, skating or scooting to school across Victoria.
With physical inactivity levels on the rise, National Ride to School Day exposes children to the benefits of exercising outdoors as well as having positive effects on the environment.
Peak hour traffic conditions can be challenging for motorists on a normal day, but with an increased number of children set to ride to school this Friday, it’s really important for all motorists to look out for children and give them the space and time they need to travel safely to school.
Drivers should pay extra attention to school zone speed limits and maintain awareness of their surroundings at all times.
On weekdays, speed limits outside schools drop to either 40km/h or 60km/h in the morning and in the afternoon. It is important that drivers slowdown in school zones, even if children don’t appear to be present at the time.
School speed limits are designed to be clearly visible to drivers and if obeyed properly, dramatically increase safety for children and make driving conditions easier for motorists to navigate.
Even a small reduction in speed can help keep children safe on our roads.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Roads & Road Safety Luke Donnellan
“Slow down and take extra care around schools. Young children need the encouragement and support of all other road users to have a safe and enjoyable journey to school.”
“School speed limits aim to make drivers aware of the likelihood that children will be travelling on the streets leading to their local school and need our care and attention.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020