Schools are open and our most precious assets are back to continue their learning.
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Over the past couple of months, the school zones have been relatively quiet with minimal people around and reduced traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however there is plenty of activity on and around our school crossings now, especially before and after school.
I thought that now would be a good time to remind everyone of your obligations when driving near a school or through a school crossing.
For all you budding law students, you can have a look at the Road Rules, 2014 regulation 80 and spend time sifting through the various sections and notes, however, if you just want the facts, read on.
Let's assume for this exercise you are driving a car.
1. When approaching a children's crossing, you must drive at a speed which if necessary, will allow you to stop safely before you get to the crossing.
2. When approaching a children's crossing, you must stop as near as practicable to but before you get to the stop line at the crossing if a pedestrian (man, woman or child) is on or entering the crossing or a hand held stop sign is displayed at the crossing. So, if one of the many volunteers undertaking crossing duties at our local schools walks out with a stop sign and points it at you, please stop.
3. When you do stop for the crossing guard or any pedestrian entering or on the crossing, you cannot continue until all pedestrians have left the crossing and no others are entering. If the crossing guard has you pulled up, don't continue across the crossing until the crossing guard stops pointing the stop sign, gets out of your way and motions you on.
These are only the basics with school crossings. For further information you can peruse the relevant road rules for NSW.
Remember, most school zones operate from 8am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm to 4pm on gazetted school days in NSW.
There is a 40km/h zone around our schools so if you decide to speed, don't complain when you get caught and receive a fine.
There is no excuse for speeding at any time, let alone in an area where our children are vulnerable.
Remember you can Dob in a Druggie any time you like by contacting Nowra Police or ringing Crime Stoppers. Do not drink and drive. As always, in case of an emergency call 000. In non-emergencies call the Policelink on 131 444 or your local police station. To provide anonymous information call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. For domestic and family violence information, visit www.police.nsw.gov.au. For Shoalhaven Domestic Violence officers call 4421 9666 or 4421 9665 or email shoaldvlo@police.nsw.gov.au.
Don't forget, cops are tops.
Read more: Crime/Court