RAC is urging motorists to be extra vigilant and remember to slow down to 40km/h in school zones as students start heading back to the classroom.
Tragically, 214 pedestrians under the age of 18 were killed or seriously injured on WA roads between 2015 and 2019. Around 50 per cent were hit by vehicles while crossing the road, and nearly one in five occurred between the hours of 3pm and 4pm.
RAC General Manager Corporate Affairs Will Golsby said as COVID-19 restrictions have eased and more cars have returned to the roads, it was important as ever to practice patience during school pick-up and drop-off.
“Research shows pedestrians and cyclists are twice as likely to be killed when hit by a car travelling at 50km an hour, compared to 40km an hour,” Mr Golsby said.
“It can take years for younger children to learn how to interact with traffic safely, so it’s our responsibility as drivers to slow down and remain vigilant.
“These are extremely vulnerable road users and it only takes a split-second for a tragedy to occur.
“Please slow down, be patient and use extra caution to ensure our children make it to school and back safely.
“We also ask families to make road safety a regular conversation in the home to highlight the risks and encourage safe behaviours.”
From today, 40km/h zones will be back in operation on weekdays between 7.30am and 9am, and 2.30pm and 4pm, until the end of the school term on 25 September 2020.
RAC’s tips for drivers:
- Don’t rush your drive and stay alert.
- Keep a look out for pedestrians and cyclists, and be prepared to stop for them.
- Slow down and be particularly alert outside schools, at pedestrian crossings, intersections and between cars or behind buses.
- Take actions to minimise distractions while driving and focus on the road.
RAC’s tips for students and parents/guardians:
- Always check for oncoming traffic.
- Walk straight and with care.
- Try to avoid crossing from between parked cars.
- Cross at designated pedestrian crossings.
- If you can’t cross at a designated crossing, take steps to ensure you can be seen by drivers.
- Keep your eyes on the road instead of on your smartphone.
- Be extra cautious when walking with headphones.
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Media contact: Mikayla Wearne, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
