School zones are back in operation this week in Tasmania as 85,000 primary and secondary students make their way back to the classroom.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Kerry Vincent, said with students returning to school the roads will be much busier.
"Please slow down, take extra care around schools, crossings and buses and always expect the unexpected," Minister Vincent said.
"Children can easily be distracted and may misjudge the speed or distance of approaching vehicles.
"Whether they're walking, riding or travelling by bus, students are among our most vulnerable road users."
Between 2020 and 2025, nine pedestrians aged 17 and under were involved in crashes within school zones. These incidents resulted in one fatality, two serious injuries and three minor injuries.
Chair of the Road Safety Advisory Council, Scott Tilyard, said as the new school year began it was important to remember road safety is something we need to practice every day, not just at the start of the school term.
"Our School Crossing Patrol Officers continue to report concerning behaviour from some motorists including speeding and inattention in school zones," Mr Tilyard said.
"This is an area where drivers must improve and there are no excuses and together we can keep everyone safe," he said.
In addition to slowing to 40 kilometres an hour in school zones at certain times of the day, motorists must also remember it is the law to slow to 40 kilometres an hour when approaching or passing a school bus with flashing lights.
The Tasmanian Government continues to invest in improving pedestrian safety, an example being the new barriers installed along a section of South Arm Road in Lauderdale.
"The new 1.4-metre-high safety barriers are a welcome addition for the Lauderdale community, improving pedestrian safety along South Arm Road just in time for the first school term of 2026," Minister Vincent said.
"I want to particularly acknowledge and thank David O'Byrne and the many Lauderdale Primary parents for their strong advocacy on this development."
Minister Vincent encouraged parents to talk with their children about road safety ahead of the new school year.
"Everyday conversations about road safety can help build lifelong safe habits," Minister Vincent said.
"Topics can include safely using crossings, staying alert near traffic and the importance of being able to hear what's happening around them, particularly for children who walk to and from school wearing headphones."
Useful road safety tips for both parents and students can be found on the Road Safety Advisory Council website.
