Watch out, kids about
The Waipa District Council and Police are reminding drivers to focus on kids as schools get underway for the new year.
Drivers are reminded to slow down, be vigilant and expect increased traffic and pedestrian volumes around schools. Many children may be starting at new schools and easily distracted by new surroundings or meeting up with friends. Road crossings will be used more frequently at peak school times.
Waipa district road safety co-ordinator Megan Jolly said Drivers should slow down around schools and be prepared to stop at all crossings. Younger children have difficulty judging distances and may step out onto a crossing, giving drivers little time to react. Even older children can become distracted and just step out.
The faster you drive, the harder the impact. A person hit by a vehicle travelling at 30kph has a 95 per cent chance of surviving, whereas the survival rate for someone hit by a vehicle travelling at 50kph is only 55 per cent and at 70kph is only about five per cent, said Megan.
Parents dropping children at school also have an important part to play. Parents should be good role models for their children by crossing at approved crossings when available. Cars should be parked legally, as parking on a yellow line will most likely impede other drivers' vision. Always have children exit the car from the left on to the footpath.
Police will be patrolling around schools to ensure motorists keep their speeds down. Sergeant Warren Shaw from the Strategic Traffic Unit says drivers must make sure they are constantly vigilant around schools and police will have a low tolerance for breaches of the speed limits.
School buses will also be operating and motorists are reminded that the speed limit is 20km/hr when passing a school bus that has stopped to pick up or let off children. Drivers need to be aware that exceeding the speed limit when passing a school bus puts lives at risk and can result in a fine, and in some cases, a court appearance and disqualification.
ENDS
For more information, please contact: Natalie Palmer, Communication Manager on 027 807 3174.