With Victorian students returning to school this week for Term 1 of 2026, police are reminding motorists to slow down and take extra care around school zones.
It follows a devastating number of pedestrian fatalities in 2025, with 52 pedestrians killed, including four children aged 18 years or under.
Sadly, two of those children, a 6-year-old male and a 15-year-old male, were both walking to school in Teesdale and Bendigo when they were hit by a vehicle.
Police are urging motorists to slow down around school zones and be on the lookout for any children walking or crossing the roads.
There will be an increased police presence as schools return to ensure motorists are adhering to the reduced speed limits.
Motorists should also be on the lookout for school crossing supervisors and consider their safety as they step out onto the roads to assist children to safely cross the road.
Police have witnessed and issued 53 infringements to motorists for failing to stop at a children's crossing over the past four financial years (July 2021 - June 2025).
Police say speed and distraction are major factors in collisions around schools and will be on the lookout for drivers failing to adhere to the speed limit or using mobile devices.
Police issued 8,916 speeding infringements between 6am and 9am, Monday to Friday in the last financial year (July 2024 - June 2025).
While not all those speeding infringements issued between 6am and 9am on weekdays occurred in school zones, police say it highlights that motorists are being caught speeding during a time of day renowned for increased pedestrian activity, which is particularly concerning.
Parents, carers and teachers can also help prioritise road safety by teaching children how to stop, look, listen and think when crossing the road, and supervising young children around roads.
For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.
Quotes attributable to Road Policing Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir:
"With the return of the school term this week, we want everyone to take extra care when travelling around school zones.
"Children are amongst our most vulnerable road users, and it's up to all of us to ensure they're protected.
"For motorists, this means slowing down and remaining alert around school zones and crossings.
"We're also asking parents, carers and teachers to talk to children about the importance of road safety and teach them to stop, look, listen and think when crossing the road.
"Police will be highly visible around school zones this week to ensure reduced speed limits are adhered to.
"Slowing down means everyone can get to school and return home safely at the end of the day."
