Police and Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts today urged motorists to take care on the roads, as thousands of students go back to school this week.
So far this year 11 pedestrians have been killed on Western Australian roads, making up more than 10 per cent of the State road toll.
Motorists are reminded to be vigilant and look out for schoolchildren, some of our most vulnerable pedestrians, particularly around schools and playgrounds.
WA Police will be out to ensure motorists stick to the 40kmh speed limit in school zones.
Last year, six schoolchildren, aged between four and 18 years, were injured in crashes in school zones in WA.
The McGowan Government continues to boost road safety across WA with improvements to dangerous roads and intersections, a stronger police presence on roads and community education campaigns.
More than $6 million of initiatives aimed at improving road safety for children and students is being funded from the Road Trauma Trust Account.
These initiatives include the Safe Drug Education and Road Aware program, the Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth program and electronic school zone signs.
Through the Road Trauma Trust Account, community groups and organisations have access to $360,000 in grants annually to promote road safety initiatives for local programs and events.
The Constable Care Safety School plays a vital role in teaching children about road safety including pedestrian, bicycle and public transport travel safety skills. It includes a realistic layout of Perth's streets with school zones, traffic lights, intersections and more. In two years, more than 15,000 participants have learned how to identify road safety hazards and how to respond.
As stated by Police and Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts:
"With the new school term getting underway this week, I urge motorists to take extra care on the roads, particularly in school zones.
"Nothing is more important than the safety of our kids and WA Police will be enforcing the 40kmh speed limits outside schools across the State from this week.
"Sadly, pedestrians make up more than 10 per cent of those killed on Western Australian roads so far this year.
"Drivers should travel at safe speeds and at 40 kilometres an hour through school zones during school hours. Slow down, look out for pedestrians and be ready and able to stop for them."
