KEEP KIDS SAFE OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL GATES

With students now back at school after the recent break, motorists are being urged to follow road rules to keep our kids safe outside the school gates.

Wyndham City’s Safer Communities portfolio holder, Cr Kim McAliney said safety around schools is paramount and the responsibility of all road users. 

“Schools are busy places when children are being dropped off and picked up, making parking difficult during these peak periods,” Cr McAliney said. 

“It’s important to slow down around schools, especially at drop-off and pick-up times for the safety of students, parents and our school crossing supervisors.”

“I cannot stress too strongly how important it is to pay attention to the signs and instructions given by our school crossing supervisors.” 

“I also appreciate that it can be difficult to find a park at drop-off and pick-up times, so we ask parents and carers to ensure that they park legally for the safety of the children.”

“If you are driving your child to school it’s a great idea to leave early, allowing extra time to deal with any unexpected traffic. Follow the school’s designated drop-off and pick-up routes to ensure the traffic keeps flowing, so that all kids are safe.” 

“I would also encourage parents and their carers to make sure our kids are doing all they can to keep themselves safe. Teach them to always cross at the crossing, stick to the footpath and be aware of their surroundings.”

“Another routine, which would benefit your health as well as ease the congestion issue and improve safety is to park your car further away from the school and walk the rest of the way with your child.”

“Look for parking restriction signs and make sure to follow them. Even if there are no signs, it’s the driver’s responsibility to park in a safe and legal manner.”

“Parking in school crossing zones, double parking, parking near bus stops, on nature strips, and within non-stopping zones are the most common offences.”

“Those who choose to park illegally face the very real risk of receiving an infringement for doing so.”

“It’s just as important to make sure our kids are doing all they can to keep themselves safe. Teach them to always cross at the crossing, stick to the footpath and be aware of their surroundings.”

For more information about road safety around schools please visit https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/road-safety-education/improving-safety-around-our-schools