As Victorian children return to school, Kidsafe Victoria is urging parents and drivers to prioritise child safety on the roads.
With busy driveways, bustling school zones and more traffic during drop-off and pick-up times, the injury prevention organisation is reminding everyone to take extra precautions to keep kids safe.
The warning comes after a horror end to the 2024 school year. In October, a car crashed through a fence into the playground of Auburn South Primary School, killing 11-year-old Jack Davey and injuring four others. The following month, a truck crashed into the playground of Macedon Ranges Montessori Pre-School in Riddells Creek, leading to the death of speech pathologist Eleanor Bryant.
According to data from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), 56 children aged 5-15 lost their lives on Victorian roads between 2014 and 2024. Alarmingly, most fatalities occurred during peak school commute hours:
8-10 am: 10 passengers, 9 pedestrians, 1 cyclist
2-4 pm: 10 passengers, 8 pedestrians, 1 cyclist
4-6 pm: 12 passengers, 6 pedestrians, 5 cyclists
Of these, 24 fatalities occurred in Melbourne and 32 were in rural Victoria, highlighting the need for vigilance across the state.
To help reduce these numbers, Kidsafe Victoria has released a Safe School Run guide, a free guide for parents addressing key safety concerns when leaving home, on the road and at the school gates.
“Back-to-school time is exciting but busy, and it’s easy for safety to slip through the cracks as we all get back into routine,” said Sarah Sexton, CEO of Kidsafe Victoria. “By staying alert and taking small steps to improve safety at home, in the car and on the road, we can all help protect our kids and make the school commute safer for everyone.”
Morning and afternoon rush: A key danger zone
Driveways can be particularly hazardous during the morning rush to school and at the end of the day when families return home. Children are naturally unpredictable and quick, increasing their risk of injury in these areas.
Kidsafe Victoria encourages all families to follow the Supervise, Separate and See safety approach:
Supervise: Always supervise children around driveways, car parks and vehicles.
Separate: Create barriers, such as fences and gates, to separate children’s play areas from garages and driveways.
See: Be aware of your car’s blind spots, which can extend up to 15 metres. Always walk around your car and check for children before reversing.
Modern safety technologies, such as reversing cameras and sensors, have significantly improved vehicle safety. However, they are not foolproof and should always be used alongside good safety practices.
“While reversing cameras and sensors are valuable tools, they can’t replace the importance of physically checking your surroundings,” said Ms Sexton.
“In fact, 72 percent of low-speed runover fatalities in the past decade occurred when the vehicle was moving forward, not reversing. Taking a moment to walk around your car and ensure the area is clear before driving is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep kids safe.”
Safety inside the car
Kidsafe Victoria emphasises that children under 12 should sit in the back seat where possible. Research shows that injury risk for children aged 12 and under is nearly double in the front seat, regardless of the type of restraint used.
“The front seat is not a treat – it’s simply not as safe as the back seat for younger passengers,” said Ms Sexton. “We encourage families to prioritise safety over convenience. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in protecting our kids.”
Children should also be properly secured in their car seats every time they travel. While fostering independence is important, parents and carers must double-check that seat belts and child restraints are correctly fastened.
School zones: Slow down and stay alert
Drivers are reminded that reduced speed limits will be in force around schools during drop-off and pick-up times. Pay close attention to school zone signs and always use designated drop-off and pick-up areas to ensure a safe environment for all children.
“School zones are busy places, with children crossing roads, getting out of cars and sometimes rushing in their excitement to get to class,” Ms Sexton added. “We urge drivers to slow down, stay vigilant and be prepared for the unexpected.”
The dangers of leaving children in cars
Leaving children unattended in a vehicle can have fatal consequences. The temperature inside a car can soar 20-30°C higher than outside, even on mild days. Fatal distraction – a condition where parents or carers unknowingly leave a child in a car – can happen to anyone, with tragic outcomes reported in Australia and globally.
“Never leave your child alone in the car, even for a minute,” Ms Sexton said. “It’s just not worth the risk. Taking a few extra seconds to bring them with you can save a life.”
Parents and carers can download the Safe School Run guide at the Kidsafe Victoria website.
