With school back in full swing, a motoring group and mutual organisation is cautioning motorists that a slip in attention could result in a tragedy in school zone areas.
RACQ released the message after a recent survey found that 43% of drivers have admitted to “accidentally” speeding in school zones, as it stressed that ignorance and inattention were not valid excuses for violating the rules.
“Speeding is no accident and the consequences of not keeping an eye on your speedometer can be catastrophic,” RACQ’s Lauren Ritchie told News Corp Australia.
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“School zone times are standardised in Queensland to help motorists remember when to slow down.
“The standard operating times for school zones in Queensland is 7am to 9am and 2pm to 4pm, but drivers should be aware some schools have minor exceptions.”
Ritchie urged drivers to expect the unexpected in school zones where there is a high risk of accidents, the report said.
“When your eyes are off the road for just two seconds, a vehicle moving at 40kmh travels more than 22m – that’s more than the length of a cricket pitch,” she said.
“It takes years for children to learn about spatial awareness and how to safely interact with traffic, so it’s our role as drivers to keep an extra eye out around school zones, especially during drop off and pick up times.”
Bundaberg police shared RACQ’s concerns, as they also urge drivers to slow down and be mindful of the rules in school zones.
With holiday season over, senior constable Danielle Loftus said a highly visible police will be “out and about, enforcing road safety and protecting school communities.”
To drivers, she said: “Remember to slow down, be observant and check the times the school zone is operating in your area.
“Times vary across the Wide Bay-Burnett region, with some schools having all-day school zones,” News Corp Australia reported.
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