Drivers admit to shocking behaviour in school zones–what you need to know for your safety
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Dangerous driving habits on Australian roads are sparking major concerns, especially as more children are being driven to school.
Recent research has shed light on some unsettling behaviours, revealing a shift in how families approach school commutes.
But the story doesn’t end there – these findings have raised crucial questions about the impact on children’s safety and what’s really happening on our roads.
A worrying trend has emerged as new research revealed that motorists confessed to speeding in school zones and using their phones while driving through drop-off areas.
This revelation has prompted an urgent safety warning, especially as kids return to school.
An AAMI study released today found that more than half (56 per cent) of primary school children in NSW were either driven or accompanied by an adult to and from school.
In comparison, only 37 per cent of parents allowed their children to travel independently or with peers.
The findings highlighted a notable ‘generational shift’ in how children commute to school. In previous years, nearly seven in ten Australians (69 per cent) walked, biked, or scooted to school on their own.
While parents admitted to their own unsafe habits around school zones, many cited dangerous driving behaviours by others as a key factor in not allowing their children to travel solo.
The survey revealed that a quarter of the 1,000 respondents (25 per cent) admitted to speeding through school zones, often because they didn’t notice the signs.
More than one in ten (12 per cent) said they didn’t always follow the ‘Drop and Go’ zone rules.
Another 12 per cent confessed to speeding through school zones when there were no children in sight or getting distracted by their phone while driving or waiting in school drop-off zones.
Just over 10 per cent reported double parking or stopping in the middle of the road outside their children’s school.
With children heading back to school next week, AAMI Motor Claims Executive Manager Luisa Rose pointed out that the study’s findings indicated a generational shift in how parents approached school travel.
The majority of kids were now being driven or accompanied by an adult.
'With this shift in our approach to school travel we need to be aware children may not have road safety skills and awareness, increasing the risk of an accident occurring in a school zone,' Rose said.
'While understandably not everyone can walk, ride or scoot to school due to distance and time, one thing everyone can do is learn, and follow, is the road rules to ensure our children are safe when arriving at and leaving school.'
Russell White, chair and founder of the Australian Road Safety Foundation, urged drivers to exercise caution.
'Alarmingly, deaths among children aged zero to seven years increased by 54 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year, and this is not a trajectory we want to see continue in 2025,' White said.
'This year, we hope to see a decrease in road fatalities especially involving children, and we're calling on the community to help.'
'AAMI's research findings revealed that Australians are driving recklessly in and around school zones and need to pay attention to speed limits and rules that have been put in place to keep children safe.
‘Speed signs in school zones have been around for decades, so there is no excuse to be confused by them or to be caught speeding during those designated times.'
White concluded: 'The keys to reducing the Australian road toll are in our hands.'
How can we all play a part in ensuring our kids are safer on the roads? We’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below.
Recent research has shed light on some unsettling behaviours, revealing a shift in how families approach school commutes.
But the story doesn’t end there – these findings have raised crucial questions about the impact on children’s safety and what’s really happening on our roads.
A worrying trend has emerged as new research revealed that motorists confessed to speeding in school zones and using their phones while driving through drop-off areas.
This revelation has prompted an urgent safety warning, especially as kids return to school.
An AAMI study released today found that more than half (56 per cent) of primary school children in NSW were either driven or accompanied by an adult to and from school.
In comparison, only 37 per cent of parents allowed their children to travel independently or with peers.
The findings highlighted a notable ‘generational shift’ in how children commute to school. In previous years, nearly seven in ten Australians (69 per cent) walked, biked, or scooted to school on their own.
While parents admitted to their own unsafe habits around school zones, many cited dangerous driving behaviours by others as a key factor in not allowing their children to travel solo.
The survey revealed that a quarter of the 1,000 respondents (25 per cent) admitted to speeding through school zones, often because they didn’t notice the signs.
More than one in ten (12 per cent) said they didn’t always follow the ‘Drop and Go’ zone rules.
Another 12 per cent confessed to speeding through school zones when there were no children in sight or getting distracted by their phone while driving or waiting in school drop-off zones.
Just over 10 per cent reported double parking or stopping in the middle of the road outside their children’s school.
With children heading back to school next week, AAMI Motor Claims Executive Manager Luisa Rose pointed out that the study’s findings indicated a generational shift in how parents approached school travel.
The majority of kids were now being driven or accompanied by an adult.
'With this shift in our approach to school travel we need to be aware children may not have road safety skills and awareness, increasing the risk of an accident occurring in a school zone,' Rose said.
'While understandably not everyone can walk, ride or scoot to school due to distance and time, one thing everyone can do is learn, and follow, is the road rules to ensure our children are safe when arriving at and leaving school.'
Russell White, chair and founder of the Australian Road Safety Foundation, urged drivers to exercise caution.
'Alarmingly, deaths among children aged zero to seven years increased by 54 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year, and this is not a trajectory we want to see continue in 2025,' White said.
'This year, we hope to see a decrease in road fatalities especially involving children, and we're calling on the community to help.'
'AAMI's research findings revealed that Australians are driving recklessly in and around school zones and need to pay attention to speed limits and rules that have been put in place to keep children safe.
‘Speed signs in school zones have been around for decades, so there is no excuse to be confused by them or to be caught speeding during those designated times.'
White concluded: 'The keys to reducing the Australian road toll are in our hands.'
How can we all play a part in ensuring our kids are safer on the roads? We’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below.
