The Australian Government is introducing 40 km/h limits on over 100 school crossings and warden-operated children’s crossings associated with places outside traditional school zones. This is part of a $10 million investment to enhance child safety during school peak hours which is between 7:30 am to 9:00 am and 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm. School zone electronic variable signs with set speeds replacing fixed signs on high-speed roads will be used to enforce the speed limits for better visibility and warning to the drivers.
Smart Warning Signs Trial in NSW
Transport for NSW has rolled out a novel trial of smart school zone signs with radars, AI, and other sensors in primary school zones at Wallsend South Public School. The signs are solar powered, equipped with the internet, and are designed to dynamically enhance driver awareness of school zones. They flash messages in real time, such as SLOW DOWN, when a car goes above 40 km/h or when there are many pedestrians.
The Intensification of Police Enforcement and Safety Campaigns
The police in some neighboring regions such as Tasmania are focusing their enforcement efforts on speeding in and around schools. The last few weeks have seen speeding detections in such areas, prompting the powers that be to appeal to the general public to observe the speed limit and drive with the necessary care in order to protect children and other vulnerable road users. Campaigns also include objectives to reduce distracted driving that have resulted in hefty fines and double demerits in school zones.
Drivers’ Compliance, Aggravated Safety Concerns
Crucial measures have been adopted, however, studies still indicate that driver behavior in the vicinity of schools is still concerning. Phone distractions and other distractions also create drop-off zones of a dangerous nature. Safety advocate groups urge the public to improve driver education about school zones in order to help reduce the increasing injuries and fatalities among children.
Health Benefits Associated with Active Transport
Lower school zone speed limits also form part of wider policies that aim to increase the number of children who walk, cycle or scooter to school. With the traffic flow calmer and with safe crossing points, the aim of the authorities is to increase the number of children that walk or cycle to school and as a result, increase the number of children that adopt healthy lifestyles.
Improved Infrastructure and Newly Collected Data
The upgraded generation of safety signage equipped with sensors capable of tracking patterns of traffic flow and behavior will aid in streamlining safety practices over time. They will utilize this information to determine proactive notification apparatuses and to ascertain areas that require heightened safety arrangements. They envision a staggered implementation plan to complete the state-by-state implementation roll-out of the system by 2026 with a 2028 timeframe for the entire country.
The Need for Action with Prescribed Safer Zones.
The rise in the number of road fatalities involving children has heightened perception of the danger posed by lack of enforcement of the school zone speed limit. They implore the general public to exercise due diligence in the approach to these areas. There has been a conscious and deliberate effort to change public behavior through new laws, proper enforcement, technology and education about the risks of children commuting to and from school.