General News
4 February, 2025
Victoria Police reminds drivers it is back to school and back to school zones
Victoria Police reminds drivers to stay safe on roads around schools.
As kids all over the Wimmera head back to the classroom to start their 2025 school year, Victoria Police is reminding drivers to adhere to the road rules when travelling through school zones.
State Highway Patrol Inspector, Nicole Yin said Victoria Police wants everyone to take extra care when travelling around school zones.
"Children are amongst our most vulnerable road users. They're less developed physically, cognitively and have less experience around traffic," she said.
"It's up to all of us to ensure kids are protected ... For motorists, this means slowing down and being more alert around schools.
"We're also asking parents, carers and teachers to talk to children about the importance of road safety and teach them to stop, look, listen and think when crossing the road."
In 2024, 48 pedestrians were killed in Victoria, including three children under the age of 13,
All three children were at, or commuting to and from school when they were hit by a vehicle.
Police are urging motorists to slow down around school zones and be on the lookout for children walking or crossing the roads.
"Police will be highly visible around school zones this week to ensure everyone is adhering to the reduced speed limits," said Inspector Yin.
"Slowing down means everyone can get to school and return home safely."
Exceeding the speed limit by less than 10kmh attracts a $247 fine and one demerit point, but increases to $395 and three demerit points if the speed limit exceeds 10kmh but less than 25kmh.
Parents, carers and teachers can also help prioritise road safety by teaching children how to stop, look, listen and think when crossing the road, and supervising young children around roads.