The Australian authorities have further tightened the rules for child safety around schools, and a motorist can now receive a $149 fine if they pass a school bus faster than 40 km/h while children are getting on or off the bus. The purpose of this measure is to mitigate the risk to children, who remain the most exposed and vulnerable users of the road.
Why is the speed limited to 40 km/h?
Roads around schools are busy places, and on roads with school buses, children are notoriously unpredictable. The speed limit of school zones may be decreased to 40 km/h from 60 km/h to allow motorists that additional reaction time.
Consistency Across the Nation on Road Safety
The 40 km/h school bus rule has been implemented in most, if not all, states and territories. These authorities understand that aligning penalties nationally makes certain that drivers understand their road safety responsibilities, even if the rules may differ in the area they are driving.
The Dangers Are Plain to See
Transport safety data readily demonstrate that children are most vulnerable during the school rush hour, and while getting on or off the school buses. The outcomes of various studies indicate that even at very low speeds, collisions involving children are prone to very serious injury, making even slight non-compliance an issue of life and death.
Enforcement and penalties
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Fine Amount | $149 (Compared to higher fines for other traffic offences) |
| Purpose of Fine | Awareness and deterrence rather than harsh punishment |
| Enforcement Methods | Police and highway cameras stationed near schools continuously monitor compliance |
| Additional Penalties | Repeat or emotional offenders may incur demerit points depending on the region |
| Enforcement Focus | School zones, children’s crossings, and school bus stops |
| Typical Fines for Related Offences | Other fines for school zone violations often range from $500 to $1,625 with demerit points |
| Goal | Protect child pedestrians and maintain safe driving behavior in school zones |
Community support for the rule
Most parents, school associations, and road safety advocates support the fine as an appropriate warning to drivers. Many leaders in the community emphasise that enforcement is key, but the ultimate goal is to build a society in which child road safety is a priority for every driver.
Every person on the road has a responsibility
The authorities maintain that the protection of children is the responsibility of the entire community. Drivers are reminded to observe school bus signals, and reduced speeds and to slow down in all school zones. Paying the $149 fine is a reminder that Australia is serious about protecting children in its traffic laws.
