Bags are packed and school is back! And Police are reminding the country about the need to pay attention on the roads.

"Everyone has an important part to play when it comes to road safety and particularly around schools," a police spokesperson said.

"We need to do everything we can to safeguard our kids as they walk or cycle to school – some of them for the first time.

"Young children can be excitable and can be distracted when they’re heading to and from school. That means they may forget to check before passing driveways, or miss hazards on the roads. 

"As teenagers they may be more prone to having their heads down in a phone, wearing earphones, and potentially not paying attention when they should be, such as when crossing a road."

Police said parents set the best example for our young people on how road users need to be safe and smart on our roads.

Police are encouraging parents to talk to their children about how to be safe - 

• If your child will be going to school on their own for the first time, show them the safest route to get to school and back home and practise with them.
• If you’re wearing earphones, take them out or mute them for a minute and if you’re talking on the phone pause the conversation so that you can cross safely. 
•  Encourage your child(ren) to use the marked school crossing whether that be a pedestrian crossing, kea crossing or their school traffic wardens.

Police are also reminding drivers about how to behave near schools and around school buses.

• Be extra alert in case a child runs out in front of you without warning. Sometimes children can’t be seen if they are behind cars so look under cars for the possibility of feet.
• Be aware that there will be children on the roads cycling to and from school. Give them space and share the road. 
•  The speed limit is 20km/h when driving past a stationary school bus, and you need to reduce your speed below 30km/h when passing schools.
• Often drop off and pick up zones can be crowded before and after school. Suggesting a meeting point further down the road might be a safer option to avoid congestion around the area.

"Even small increases in speed result in a much greater increase in your stopping distance, and that can mean the difference between life and death for our children," a police spokesperson said.