KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED FOR RETURN TO SCHOOL

It’s back to work after the Australia Day public holiday, but more critically, it’s a return to school for thousands of youngsters across the Far North. Many of them will be first-timers and that is why it is vital that motorists take extra care around school zones.

Drivers must keep to the 40km/h speed limit and be forever watchful for that excited child.

Remember school is totally new to many children as they enter the school gates for the first time.

They will be nervous as well as excited and they will be easily distracted and not aware of the large amounts of traffic travelling in and around school zones.

Parents, guardians or carers must be on the ball despite the anxious moments.

Some of the worst traffic offenders are parents who park illegally or breach the speed limit in a period of completed diversion from the responsibility of driving safely.

Schools and teachers are fully geared to cope with the influx of wideeyed little faces and their emotional parents at the school gates, as long as drivers adhere to the parking and drop-off rules and regulations.

Traffic police will be out and about to ensure motorists don’t do anything illegal or foolish that can endanger the lives of little ones.

Plan ahead, leave early and be totally prepared for the traffic chaos outside schools.

Other drivers should do their best to avoid school zones and consider different routes to get to work or getting out and about.

The standard operating times for most school zones in Queensland is 7–9am and 2–4pm.

That’s when the 40km/h speed limit is in place and enforced.

Let’s make Wednesday a happy and safe time for all the region’s school children.