Slow down in school zones, drivers urged

As students made their way back to the classrooms this week, RAC called for motorists to be more alert and remember to slow down in school zones.

The call came after two WA children, aged eight and 13, were hit by cars leaving schools this week.

In all, 214 pedestrians under 18 were killed or seriously injured on WA roads between 2015 and 2019.

About 50 per cent were hit by vehicles while they crossed the road, and nearly one in five occurred between 3pm and 4pm.

RAC corporate affairs general manager Will Golsby said as COVID-19 restrictions eased and more cars returned to the roads, it was important to practise patience during school pick-up and drop-off.

“It can take years for younger children to learn how to interact with traffic safely, so it’s our responsibility as drivers to slow down and remain vigilant,” Mr Golsby said.

On weekdays, 40km/h zones are back in operation near schools between 7.30am and 9am, and 2.30pm and 4pm, until the end of term on September 25.