School Zones and Speed - a Dangerous Mix for Kids

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA, May 10, 2011 (Press-News.org) Suncorp Insurance research* has revealed almost one-in-ten Queensland drivers (9 per cent) admit to speeding through restricted school speed zones and close to one-third (31 per cent) admit they sometimes speed to get to work or home sooner.

Alarmingly the research also shows that almost one-quarter of Queensland motorists (23 per cent) believe going less than 10km/h over the speed limit isn't really speeding.

"With almost one-third of Queensland drivers admitting they speed during the hours schools generally start and finish and one-quarter believing exceeding the limit by anything up to 10 km/h over is not speeding - it's unsettling for both the driver and very dangerous for pedestrians - especially a child pedestrian," said Suncorp Insurance Corporate Affairs Manager, Mike Sopinski.

With state schools returning from holidays today it's disturbing that a certain element of Queensland motorists are prepared to ignore school speed zones and endanger the lives of children who are who are still learning about road safety and what to do around cars and busy streets. A recent Queensland Police Service blitz on 40km/h and 50km/h zones across Brisbane and the Gold Coast resulted in more than 3000 speeding motorists being caught by marked and covert cameras. The cameras detected 71 vehicles out of 1000 (7 per cent) speeding through 40km/h zones when the enforcement started in mid-December last year. Restricted speed zones when school is in.

Motorists need to be aware that school speed zone restrictions come back into force with the return of school each term and are applied during the morning and afternoon of all school days. However, some motorists over school holiday periods may forget about the need to observe the restricted speed limits around schools. "Motorists are also reminded that in some instances lower speed restrictions may apply all day and that severe penalties for exceeding designated speed limits are enforced by police," said Mr Sopinski. "Pedestrians are not only our largest group of road users but also our most vulnerable, as they have no protection if they are hit by a vehicle." More than one in ten Queensland drivers (11 per cent) admit to speeding most of the time - and two-thirds (66 per cent) admit they speed some of the time. Most Queensland drivers (67 per cent) claim they are sometimes uncertain of the speed limit because they vary so much.

While changes in speed limits are common especially throughout metropolitan areas, the most important thing drivers need to remember is to slow down (to 40km/h or less) when driving through areas of high pedestrian activity, particularly school zones.

"Children are especially vulnerable in traffic - by virtue of their size they are sometimes hard to see, and their movements can be unpredictable," said Mr Sopinski.

According to the Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit (QISU), the most dangerous times for school age child pedestrians is weekdays between 3 and 6 pm but particularly the hour immediately after school.

Key findings from the Suncorp Insurance study on school zones and speed:
In a hurry: almost one-third (31 per cent) of Queensland drivers speed to get to work or home sooner. Almost one-quarter (23 per cent) of Queensland drivers do not believe travelling up to 10 km/h over the limit is speeding.
Ignoring school speed zones: almost one in ten drivers (9 per cent) admit to ignoring restricted speed limits such as outside schools.
Confused: most Queensland drivers (67 per cent) say they are sometimes unsure of speed limits because "they vary so much".
Their own private derby: more than one in ten Queensland drivers (11 per cent) admit to speeding most of the time.

Tips for getting there safely
While walking:
1. Obey signals at crossings
2. Never assume a driver has seen you or intends to stop
3. Choose safe places to cross - always cross at a pedestrian crossing if one is available and never cross at a bend or curve
4. Never cross a road while using headphones or mobile phones
5. Always hold the hand of a child under the age of 5 when crossing the road

While driving:
1. Obey speed limits
2. Give way to pedestrians crossing the road into which you are turning
3. Look for signs and take particular car around restricted speed zones such as around schools, roadworks and busy shopping/entertainment precincts
4. Try to make eye contact with people who are about to cross the road - don't presume they have seen you
5. Be patient with pedestrians - resist the urge to act aggressively if they make a mistake and give you a fright, chances are they were also startled by their experience

*The Suncorp research was conducted in 2010 and is based on an independent Internet survey of 2,818 Australians across all states and territories. The research was conducted by Ipsos-Eureka Social Research Institute. Collected data is carefully weighted in line with current ABS population demographics to ensure any extrapolation of results is representative of age, gender and population on a regional, state and national basis.

Suncorp Personal Insurance products include car insurance, home and contents, travel, boat, motorbike, caravan and compulsory third party insurance.

Website: http://www.suncorp.com.au/insurance/car-insurance