Safe Around schools
Welcome back to a new school year!
The Safe Around Schools team will continue to support our 97 City of Casey schools throughout 2023 and send key road safety education messages to share with families. As one of the largest municipalities in Victoria, with a growing school community it is imperative that we are putting children's safety first around school precincts.
This newsletter focuses on 4 key messages for our families returning to school. We also have new families starting their primary school journey, so this information is important for all families to know the rules around schools.
Please take a few minutes to read these road safety messages and follow the rules and signs around your school.
40km Speed Zones
School speed zones are reduced-speed areas that operate near schools. They’re designed to keep kids safe by lowering the speed limit at peak times when children are travelling to and from school.
Visit: School speed zones : VicRoads
School Crossings are the safest place to cross the road.
Not all schools have school crossings located outside their school, however there maybe school crossings on your journey to school.
Casey School Crossing Supervisors are trained to help children cross the road safely. Always listen to the supervisors' instructions. When driving near a school crossing, keep the school crossing clear. Do not stop your car on the crossing. It is dangerous and illegal to block the school crossing.
The Drop off Pick up zone
The Drop off Pick up zone is a special place to quickly drop off or pick up your child when you use your car.
Some schools have internal school drop off areas located within the grounds, whereas others are located outside the school grounds. It is important to follow the rules in these zones, whether it is an internal or external drop off pick up zone.
In the external drop off pick up zone the following rules apply:
- You can only stay in this zone for 2 minutes each time and you must stay with your car.
- Move as far down the drop off pick up zone as possible to allow more cars to enter the zone safely.
- Arrive at least 3 minutes after the school bell - children are not ready or in this zone before this time.
- Do not arrive in this zone early and park - this stops this zone flowing and fines can apply.
- Child not there? Keep moving!
February - Great Weather - Why not start your active travel journey to school?
Active Travel is either walking, riding or scooting to school instead of taking the car.
Children that walk, ride, scoot, or skate to or from school are probably already feeling healthier and happier. Start your school day with fresh air and exercise!
Even one day per week can make a difference. And part way is ok too, you don’t have to walk all the way between school and home – try a nearby park as a start/finish point.
Being active is just as important for adults too! Make walking and riding part of your day with your children or on your own. If your children, see you doing exercise they will often copy. Exercise lowers your risk of health issues, boosts your mood, helps you to connect with friends and family and assists a better night’s sleep.
Getting children to school safely is everyone's job.