visit raa.com.au
Motorists should prepare for busy roads and school zones in South Australia this week, as thousands of students return to class for a new school year.
School zones will be in operation again this week to ensure safety is prioritised for our most vulnerable road users as they make their way to and from campus.
Crash data shows 40% of injury crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists under the age of 16 occur during school pick-up and drop-off hours between 8-9am and 3-4pm – highlighting the risks that come with increased traffic at these times.
Drivers are reminded that a 25km/h speed limit applies within school zones when children are present, at children’s (koala) crossings when the lights are flashing and when passing a school bus that has stopped to pick up or drop off children.
RAA Senior Manager Road Safety Charles Mountain also urged drivers to brush up on the different types of pedestrian crossings – Emu, Koala, Wombat and Zebra crossings – so they could adhere to the relevant road rules.
“The start of the school year is generally the time that traffic levels start to return to normal,” Mr Mountain said.
“For the most part, the peak hours flow a bit better in December and January. This is due to school holidays and the higher number of workers taking leave for holidays, so returning to normal traffic numbers when school returns can come as a surprise.
“It’s also an exciting time for students and their families as they begin with a new class or perhaps are starting school for the first time.
“All road users are reminded to take care around our roads, especially at school zones where lots of young children will be present.
“If you see a pedestrian crossing with white and red posts, flashing lights or orange flags – then different road rules apply at each of these locations.
“Emu and Koala crossings both have red and white posts – Emu crossings operate when orange flags are displayed and are located within school zones where 25km/h applies whenever Children are present. Koala Crossings are typically outside of school zones but operate with a 25km/h speed limit whenever the orange lights are flashing.”