School crossings protecting our children and families

In Maroondah we have 74 school crossings and 90 dedicated supervisors, who brave all weather conditions to ensure the safety of children as they cross roads to and from school.

Parking and traffic controls around schools play an important part in keeping children safe.

They ensure the crossing supervisor has a clear field of vision and can identify hazards in all traffic conditions.

Traffic and parking around schools needs to be managed carefully, particularly around peak drop-off and pick-up times.

Maroondah Mayor, Councillor Kylie Spears, said all road-users have a role to play to ensure supervisors can do their important job.

“Our dedicated crossing-supervisors are at the crossings twice a day, come rain, hail or shine. They help to protect the safety of our children and families, day in and day out,” Cr Spears said.

“They are a popular fixture in children’s lives and it’s important that pedestrians and motorists support them by following the rules around the crossings.”

Also, Cr Spears encouraged parents to use the crossings with their children and educate them about pedestrian safety.

Consider your role in crossing safety When the flags are displayed at a children’s crossing, you must stop for pedestrians who are waiting to cross or who have started crossing You must remain stopped until the crossing is clear These rules apply even if there is no crossing-supervisor Do not stop your car over the school crossing Be aware of your surroundings and speed limit when driving near schools Talking to your child about road safety

Acting Sergeant Shaun Collins, from Ringwood Police, encouraged parents to talk to children about road safety regularly.

“The sooner children learn to look before crossing the road, to use a crossing when available and practice safe habits - the better,” Acting Sgt Collins said.

“Once they are old enough to walk and ride a bicycle, children need to be aware of moving vehicles. That cars cannot always stop quickly and that drivers, for many reasons, may not see them.”

Acting Sgt Collins said children need to practice road safety around busy school areas.

“As adults know, there are blind spots in cars and limited visibility when they are in busy traffic. We are fortunate that councils provide crossing-supervision at most school crossings. But children need to understand this is not an area to run or play around,” he said.

Tips to help your child Always hold your child’s hand, whether you’re crossing the road or walking to school Always cross at the pedestrian crossing or, if at a corner, wait for the lights and look in all directions for oncoming traffic Stop at driveways and check there are no cars reversing or entering Regularly talk to your child about road safety

For more information on road safety, visit the VicRoads website.