TIME TO SLOW DOWN

SHOCKING statistics from a recent road safety crackdown near local schools should serve as a sobering reminder to all drivers. We must play it safe when driving near schools to protect our most vulnerable road users – children.

Police detected an alarming 221 drivers who were breaking road rules near schools last week, with one driver busted driving more than 40km/h over the posted limit. What will it take for drivers to get the message and slow down near schools?

Geelong highway patrol Senior Sergeant Craig Stevens said police were “disappointed” by the results, and had been patrolling school zones after parents, principals and crossing supervisors raised concerns.

Children have every right to get to school safely and it is our responsibility, as drivers, to ensure they can.

Police and other authorities have repeatedly warned about the dangers of speeding, distraction and intoxication. Disturbingly, 10 drivers were caught using mobile phones while driving near school zones.

According to the Transport Accident Commission, drivers are 10 times more at risk of crashing if they are using a mobile phone.

If we are running late or have a message on our phones, it can wait.

We must focus on the task at hand and ensure we put children and the safety of all road users first.