RAC is urging motorists to drive with extra caution as students start returning to school from today, with data revealing October was last year’s worst month for road trauma in WA.
Tragically, 179 people were killed or seriously injured on WA roads last October – 17 were under the age of 18.
RAC General Manager Corporate Affairs Will Golsby said it was important to be alert and cautious as students commenced returning to the classroom for the final school term.
“The first day back at school can be very exciting, but also busy and chaotic — and that can be a risky combination on our roads,” Mr Golsby said.
“Young pedestrians are extremely vulnerable road users and it only takes a split-second for a tragedy to occur.
“Research shows pedestrians are twice as likely to be killed when hit by a car travelling at 50km an hour, compared to 40km an hour.”
Between 2015 and 2019, 214 pedestrians under the age of 18 were killed or seriously injured on WA roads. 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.
“Please slow down, be patient and use extra caution to ensure our children make it to school and back safely.”
“We urge all road users, whether driving, walking or cycling, to ditch the distractions, take care and look out for each other.”
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 17 December 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
