The police are urging parents and children to be safe on the roads as the 2011 school year begins this week.
Road Policing Manager Inspector Peter Baird says thousands of children will start school this week, many for the first time, so caution is needed when it comes to motorists and pedestrians near schools.
"Children walking, biking or scootering to school are not able to judge the distance at which a vehicle is approaching, so we're urging parents and road users to be wary of children as they head back to school and have a bit more patience,” says Mr Braid.
He says parents should also talk to their children about road safety before they head out the gate for school.
"There'll be plenty of children who received new bikes and scooters at Christmas.
“If they're riding these to school this year, we want parents to ensure their children are wearing helmets and know the basics of road safety before heading to school."
Mr Baird says reflectorised backpacks and jackets are also a really good way for children to be seen by motorists and parents should seriously consider these, before Term One begins later this week.
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