IT’S the start of a brand-new year and parents around the region have breathed a collective sigh of relief.
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Well, except the parents and carers of Kinders, who are probably a bit melancholy – and maybe even a bit teary – as they send their littlies off for the next exciting chapter of their lives.
We are lucky to have so many wonderful schools across the New England North West, with so many dedicated teachers and innovative programs that are helping shape the adults of tomorrow.
But when outside those walls, the future of these students becomes everyone’s responsibility, particularly when it comes to our roads.
Police and road safety advocates are pleading with all motorists to adhere to the 40km/h school zones that have come back into force around our schools.
And it’s not just sticking to the 40km/h limit that’s important within these zones.
While speeding is still one of the main infringements, the use of mobile phones and the breach of parking restrictions is still happening far too often, according to local police.
Those just passing through these zones aren’t the only offenders either; parents of students around schools are still not getting the message.
Little people are small, they have difficulty in judging speed and distance, and they can behave unpredictably – all a potential recipe for tragedy around roads and vehicles.
We all know what it’s like to be running late in the morning, with a million things on your mind, and just trying to get from point A to point B in the shortest time possible.
Of course it’s tempting to go a little faster, or multitask with a few phone calls during the journey, or slip into that No Parking spot closest to the school gate.
But all of those things can come with a heavy price.
Police cars make regular patrols around our schools in an effort to catch and fine those breaking the rules, and help keep our children safe.
They do this because they know, better than anyone, that the price for going just a little faster or being distracted by a mobile phone can be far greater than a hit to the hip pocket.