Tairawhiti Police want to remind road users to slow down and be aware around schools as children head back to school for term three on Monday.
Police will be actively patrolling school zones to ensure all children get to and from school safely.
Constable Ashley Roberts says it’s important to be extra aware when driving near schools, particularly around peak times, as children’s behaviour around roads can be unpredictable.
“No one wants to be responsible for a child being seriously hurt or killed, so we need to pay extra attention on the roads.”
Police will be dedicating extra staff to school zones during the week in both high visibility patrols and covert enforcement.
Last year when Police did this 171 tickets were issued for offences ranging from speeding past a school, not wearing seatbelts and using cell phones while driving.
“These kinds of results aren’t acceptable and we hope to see an improvement this year. People should know the rules and stick with them,” says Constable Roberts.
“Speeding in school zones is something we’ll be focusing on particularly closely. If a child is hit by a vehicle travelling at 50km/hr they have next to no chance of surviving the collision.”
“For that reason, we’ll be policing this strictly and no excuses will be accepted.”
Lower speed limits around schools are in place to give children a better chance when things go wrong so please, slow down.
“Remember, mistakes happen, but it’s your speed that decides the outcome,” says Constable Roberts.
It’s also important to remember you should lower your speed to 20km/hr if passing school bus uplifting or dropping off children.
“This rule is in place in case a child runs out unexpectedly, something that is a particular problem on our rural roads. $150 instant fines will be issued to anyone who fails to slow down.”
Double parking and parking on yellow lines may be convenient for the parent and their children but it creates a significant safety risk for others. Even stopping for a moment means the vehicle blocks visibility of other road users and children crossing the road.
Police will be issuing infringement notices to offending drivers without warning.
Another thing to be careful with is pedestrian crossings. You are required to stop if someone is waiting to cross, regardless of which side of the road they are on.
“Pedestrian crossings can create a false sense of security for children who assume that they can just walk out because of the painted lines. Please be extra alert and ready to stop at short notice if approaching a crossing,” says Constable Roberts.
Parents need to ensure their children heading to school have adequate supervision near roads and use proper crossings. For students biking to school, make sure they they’re wearing a properly fitting helmet, highly visible clothing and have a bike that is safe.
“If travelling by car, ensure children are in an appropriate child restraint and that it is properly fitted. Insist on them getting out on the footpath side.”
“If you have a teenager driving themselves to school, remind them to stick to the conditions of their licence and watch their speed around schools,” says Constable Roberts.
Finally, all drivers need to be alert and avoid distraction. Don’t use your cell phone while driving, don’t turn to speak to kids in the back seat, and watch for other kids on bikes or crossing the road.
"Driving a little slower and paying extra attention is the key to preventing tragic events. Cooperate with these rules and you’ll help us keep our children safe.”
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre