Whether you're a parent or not, road rules around schools apply to everyone as children walk to and from school.
Every road user has a responsibility to know the road rules and ensure everyone travels safely.
According to the Transport Accident Commission, around seven children aged 0 to 15 die each year on Victorian roads, with children more at risk around roads because they are less visible.
The Free Press has put together some of the road rules that come into play during the school year.
School speed zones
School speed zones operate from 8am to 9.30am and 2.30pm to 4pm on weekdays during peak student travel times.
Signage inside the speed zone will typically show what the speed limit is reduced to, with the typical speed zone slowing cars to about 40km/h in a usual 60km/h zone.
Failure to obey school speed limits can result in fines and demerit points.
Children crossings
If there is a school speed zone sign, it won’t be long before you come across a children crossing, and it’s important to be aware of what you should do when you come across one.
Children’s crossings can be recognised by bright orange ‘Children Crossing’ flags and whenever they are displayed, road users must stop for any pedestrians, adults or children.
This applies regardless of whether a crossing supervisor is present.
Cars cannot block the crossing, and drivers must remain stopped until the crossing is completely cleared.
‘Kiss and drop’
Getting a student to and from school could be as easy as a tuck and roll, but parents need to understand the parking guidelines around schools.
Kiss and drop zones are the typical place parents will drop students before school. Generally, motorists will be allowed to remain no longer than two minutes.
Teachers will usually be on duty acting as a facilitator to streamline cars and students throughout the kiss and drop.
According to RACV, it is illegal to park within 20m before or 10m after a school crossing point.
If parking spaces are limited or unavailable close to a school, consider parking further away and walking with your child to the gate.
For more information on road safety in school zones, head to the RACV website at racv.com.au
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