As the new school term begins, the Royal Automobile Association of South Australia (RAA) has flagged school pick-up times as the riskiest for pedestrian crashes.
This warning follows data from state authorities highlighting significant danger for child pedestrians during these periods.
From 2018 to 2022, state data recorded 263 child pedestrian injuries or fatalities, with 124 of these occurring during school pick-up and drop-off times.
The peak hour for such incidents is between 3pm and 4pm, with other high-risk periods including 8am to 9am and 4pm to 6pm.
The RAA also recently revealed that South Australia had seen 44 road fatalities and 434 serious injuries in the first half of 2024, emphasising the ongoing challenge in meeting the state’s road safety objectives.
The motoring group said South Australia must record fewer than 80 fatalities and 637 serious injuries by year-end to stay aligned with the Road Safety Strategy goals, which aim for a 50% reduction in deaths and a 30% reduction in serious injuries by 2031.
RAA senior traffic engineer Matt Vertudaches warned that South Australian roads will see increased activity with the return of school.
“Young people walking to school are our most vulnerable road users, and it’s concerning to see 124 children have been injured or have lost their lives at school pick-up or drop-off times between 2018 and 2022,” he said.
He pointed out that winter is particularly dangerous for pedestrians, with incidents rising by 30% in metropolitan Adelaide due to factors like shorter daylight hours, fog, wet conditions, and slippery roads increasing vehicle stopping distances.
Highlighting the correlation between busy traffic periods and pedestrian crashes, he said: “It’s no surprise to see that peak times including school pick-up and drop-off hours are the worst for pedestrian crashes – as there are both more pedestrians and vehicles on the road at these times.”
RAA advises motorists to familiarise themselves with school zone regulations.
“All road users should be extra cautious this week around school zones – where the 25km/h speed limit applies whenever any children are present,” Vertudaches said. “We know busy roads will see travel times increase this week – so it’s a good idea to leave a few minutes earlier in the morning so you won’t be rushed. Roads are generally quieter before 7:30am, so leave before then if you want to avoid the busiest peak hour traffic.”
