Safe Behaviours at School Crossings

Safe Crossings, Safe Kids

We can all do our part to help children get to and from school safely. The Safe Crossings, Safe Kids initiative is a reminder on the rules and important behaviours at school crossings. 

The safety of our school children is a top priority. School crossings have special rules and are often a workplace for our School Crossing Supervisors. Your actions on and around school crossings keep our community safe.

Safe behaviours at school crossings

As kids travel to and from school it’s important for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to be aware and take extra care during these busy times. Following the road rules at school crossings doesn’t just keep our community safe, it is also the law. 

To help keep our kids safe, it’s important for drivers to:

• Slow down around school crossings at a speed slow enough to stop safely, if necessary.
• Stop if a hand held “Stop” sign is displayed and you must give way when school crossings flags are displayed.
• Stop and wait until the school crossing is clear of all pedestrians including supervisors.
• Stop if a child or adult is about to cross or is crossing, even if there is no crossing supervisor.
• Never overtake a vehicle stopping or stopped at the crossing.
• Never let children get in or out of your vehicle when stopped waiting at a school crossing.
• Respect School Crossing Supervisors, they’re trained to support children’s safety.
• Always watch out for children near schools and if you see a school crossing, use it.

At school crossings, all road users need to be alert, including pedestrians. Always look and listen for approaching traffic from each direction before crossing. Pedestrians need to be sure that drivers or riders have seen them and are stopping.

Identifying a school crossing

School crossings are operational when flags are displayed or signs with flashing lights are operating. Drivers, riders and pedestrians can look out for the following to help identify a school crossing:  

• School crossings are active on weekdays during Victorian school terms. Usually between 8am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm to 4pm.
• Red and white posts on each side of the road with orange children’s crossing flags.
• Two parallel continuous or broken lines across the road surface. Children’s crossing yellow signs and twin yellow lights flashing.
• School crossing supervisor may be present, easily identified by a high visibility yellow safety vest or jacket and a hat with the word ‘Supervisor’ embroidered.
• If you’re driving in a school zone, it usually means a school crossing will be nearby. In most cases, the speed limit displayed will be 40km/h or 60km/h (when the original speed limit is 80km/h or higher).