As thousands of students return to classrooms across Victoria, RACV is urging drivers to slow down, stay alert and show a little more patience near school zones. The message is clear: safety isn’t optional.
James Williams, Head of Policy at RACV, said this is a time to think beyond convenience.
“When we obey speed limits and exercise patience and caution, we are role-modelling road safety behaviours,” he said. “That matters more than we realise, especially to the children watching us.”
Data from the Transport Accident Commission points to an uncomfortable truth. On average, seven children under the age of 15 die on Victorian roads each year. Many more are injured. Young children are particularly at risk around traffic due to their smaller size, developing perception of danger, and impulsive movement.
Which is why school zones exist—and why ignoring them carries more than a fine.
Most schools in Victoria have designated zones that reduce speed limits during peak hours. For roads where the limit is normally under 80km/h, the school zone drops to 40km/h. Where it’s 80km/h or higher, the zone reduces to 60km/h. These limits apply on weekdays during term time from 8:00–9:30am and 2:30–4:00pm. The reason is simple: a pedestrian struck at 40km/h has a far better chance of survival than someone hit at 50 or 60.
But it’s not just speed that causes concern.
Children’s crossings are still being misused by many drivers. If the orange ‘Children Crossing’ flags are out, every vehicle must stop for any child waiting to cross. You don’t move again until the crossing is completely clear. It applies whether there’s a supervisor present or not.
Drop-off routines can also cause chaos, especially when parents are in a rush. RACV is asking families to respect ‘Kiss and Go’ zones, which are designed for short stops only. Two minutes, doors closed, then move on. Parking too close to crossings, double parking or stopping in bus or ‘No Stopping’ zones puts others at risk—and it’s illegal.
Williams says the frustration many parents feel about morning congestion is understandable, but there are ways around it.
“Congestion at school drop off is a point of frustration for many parents and carers,” he said. “It is worth considering parking a block away and walking the last part of the journey to the school. It’s a great way to avoid congestion while increasing active travel.”
That message ties in with another concern: fewer students are walking or cycling to school. According to Victoria Walks, only 15 per cent of students do so today, compared to 45 per cent in the 1970s. RACV says that decline affects health, independence and overall safety awareness.
The advice for families who want to walk or ride is to supervise younger children closely—especially those under 12—and teach them basic road habits like staying alert, crossing at designated areas, and avoiding distractions. For those on bikes, helmets are a must, and anyone under 16 must stay off e-scooters outside private property.
Williams says creating a safer school environment depends on everyone.
“School zones exist for the safety of our youngest and most vulnerable road users,” he said. “Everyone shares responsibility for creating a safe environment around schools, whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply a passing motorist.”
Education has a part to play too. Over the past year, RACV’s Safety Squad program has worked with over 15,000 students across 140 Victorian schools. The sessions offer practical lessons for kids as pedestrians, passengers and cyclists.
Parents or schools wanting to know more can visit the RACV website, which offers resources on improving safety habits from an early age.
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