Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea has reminded motorists to slow down in school zones as NSW students start heading back to classrooms across the state from Monday.
“School children are some of the most vulnerable people on the road and 40km/h school zones are an important way to keep them safe as they make their way to and from school,” Mr O’Dea said.
“Youngsters rely on us all to make responsible decisions on the road and the most important one we can make around schools is to slow down and take some extra care – it could prevent a terrible tragedy.
“We know a car that hits a pedestrian at 50km/h is twice as likely to kill someone as a vehicle travelling at 40km/h, and casualties in school zones have dropped by around 30 per cent since they were introduced.
Mr O’Dea said, “Every school across the state currently has access to a set of flashing lights as an extra warning to remind drivers to slow down, and we’re rolling out another 400 flashing lights for schools with multiple busy entrances.
“In addition to 40km/h school zone speed limits, the NSW Government has tougher penalties that apply in school zones. We’ve also painted dragon’s teeth on roads to warn drivers and installed pedestrian crossings and fencing to stop young people from crossing where it isn’t safe.
“The NSW Government is also working with kids inside the classroom to help teach them important road safety skills through programs like Safety Town (www.safetytown.com.au), a fun, interactive website featuring age appropriate activities to inspire young ones to become interested and involved in road safety,” Mr O’Dea said.
Most school zones in NSW operate from 8am to 9.30am and 2.30pm to 4pm, but a small number operate at different times. School zones with different operating times have different coloured signage and operating hours clearly displayed.
