General News
2 February, 2026
Back to school road safety
The start of school for 2026 means motorists should slow down and remain alert around school zones and crossings.
WITH Victorian students returning to school for Term 1 of 2026, police are reminding motorists to slow down and take extra care around school zones.
There was 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 six-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 in school zones and to be on the lookout for children walking or crossing the road.
There will be an increased police presence as schools return to ensure motorists are adhering to the reduced speed limits.
Road Policing assistant commissioner Glenn Weir said at this time of year they wanted “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,” he said.
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 in crossing safely.
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).
Speed and distraction are major factors in collisions around schools and police will be on the lookout for drivers failing to adhere to the speed limit or using mobile devices.
Police issued 8916 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 said 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.
“Slowing down means everyone can get to school and return home safely at the end of the day,” Mr Weir said.
For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.