As kids returned to class last week, so did school zone speed limits.

Pine Rivers drivers are being urged to take care in these zones at all times. Children can often be unpredictable and hard to see.

It is important that parents and carers observe local school safety initiatives when dropping off and collecting children.

Remember:

• Know the school zones and other routes children generally travel.
• Check the time and know when children are around schools.
• Reduce speed to the 40kmh speed limit in designated school zones.
• Scan between parked vehicles and other danger zones where kids are hard to see.
• Be extra careful in bad weather, as children may have umbrellas or hoods and not be able to see you.
• Be prepared for the unexpected.

There are several penalties for speeding, approaching a children’s crossing too quickly to stop safely, double parking, stopping on or near a children’s crossing and illegal use of mobile phone in a school zone.

While these carry hefty monetary penalties, the worst penalty of all is knowing you have caused harm or injury.