School zones back in spotlight

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School zones back in spotlight

The RAA has urged motorists to reacquaint themselves with busy roads and school zones in South Australia this week, as thousands of students return to class for a new year.


School zones are again in operation to ensure safety is prioritised for our most vulnerable road users as they make their way to and from campus.


Crash data shows 40% of injury crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists under the age of 16 occur during school pick-up and drop-off hours between 8-9am and 3-4pm – highlighting the risks that come with increased traffic at these times.


Drivers are reminded that a 25kph speed limit applies within school zones when children are present, at children’s (koala) crossings when the lights are flashing and when passing a school bus that has stopped to pick up or drop off children.


RAA Senior Manager Road Safety Charles Mountain also urged drivers to brush up on the different types of pedestrian crossings – Emu, Koala, Wombat and Zebra crossings – so they could adhere to the relevant road rules.


“The start of the school year is generally the time that traffic levels start to return to normal,” Mr Mountain said.


“For the most part, the peak hours flow a bit better in December and January. This is due to school holidays and the higher number of workers taking leave for holidays, so returning to normal traffic numbers when school returns can come as a surprise.


“It’s also an exciting time for students and their families as they begin with a new class or perhaps are starting school for the first time.


“All road users are reminded to take care around our roads, especially at school zones where lots of young children will be present.


“If you see a pedestrian crossing with white and red posts, flashing lights or orange flags – then different road rules apply at each of these locations.


“Emu and Koala crossings both have red and white posts – Emu crossings operate when orange flags are displayed and are located within school zones where 25kph applies whenever Children are present. Koala Crossings are typically outside of school zones but operate with a 25kph speed limit whenever the orange lights are flashing.”


School zones


School zones are signed, and zigzag lines are marked on the road where practicable.


25kph speed limits apply within school zones when children are present, at children’s (koala) crossings when the lights are flashing and when passing a school bus that has stopped to pick up or drop off children.


A child is a person under the age of 18, or a person of any age wearing school uniform


Koala crossings


Koala crossings have and white posts with white road markings, and two yellow alternating flashing lights on top.


Operational whenever the lights are flashing.


Drivers must stop for pedestrians or cyclists using or about to use the crossings, or when directed to by crossing monitors, and must not proceed until there are no pedestrians or cyclists on or entering the crossing.


When crossing monitors are present, drivers must follow their directions and not enter the crossing until pedestrians and cyclists are no longer on the crossing and the stop sign is no longer displayed. When lights are flashing, a speed limit of 25kphr applies between the signs on the approach to the crossings.


Emu crossings


Emu crossings have red and white posts with white road markings, and display ‘children crossing’ flags.


Operational whenever the flags are displayed.


Drivers must stop for pedestrians or cyclists using or about to use the crossings and must not proceed until there are no pedestrians or cyclists on or entering the crossing. 


As they are in school zones, speed limit of 25kphr applies whenever children are present.


Wombat crossings


Wombat crossings have white parallel stripes on a raised section of road with pedestrian crossing signs.


May include two yellow alternating flashing lights. Usually accompanied by a 40kphr or lower speed limit.


Drivers must give way to pedestrians and cyclists on or about to enter the crossing. Drivers must drive at a speed that allows them to safely stop before the crossing if required.


Zebra crossings


Zebra crossings have white parallel stripes on the road with pedestrian crossing signs.


May include two yellow alternating flashing lights. Drivers must give way to pedestrians and cyclists on or about to enter the crossing.


Drivers must drive at a speed that allows them to safely stop before the crossing if required.

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