MOTORISTS are being reminded to get back to basics and take some key road safety precautions as school returns for the final term of 2023.
Students on the Victorian side of the border returned to school on Monday, while NSW students return next week.
As the roads begin to return to their usual level of busy during peak school pick-up and drop-off times, all drivers are being reminded to stay alert and obey school speed zones.
School speed zones keep pedestrians safe by lowering the speed limit at peak times when children are travelling to and from school.
The department of transport and planning advised drivers to be extra cautious as young children could be unpredictable and difficult to see.
It is also encouraging drivers to ditch poor driving behaviours, such as failing to buckle up, as so far this year dozens more people have died on Victorian roads compared to the same time last year.
In 2022, 17 per cent of all vehicle occupants who died were not wearing a seatbelt, and the trend is continuing in 2023.
Seatbelts, when worn correctly, reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury by 50 per cent.
Road Safety Victoria head Marcelo Vidales said buckling up on every trip was one of the easiest and most important things that could be done to keep drivers and passengers safe this school term.
“Parents have a huge role to play in shaping their children’s behaviour on and around roads,” Mr Vidales said.
“We urge you to help keep future generations safe by teaching your kids be safe on and around roads from an early age – remember we are all role models.”
For more information on seatbelts and child restraints visit VicRoads
