Police are reminding drivers to slow down and stay alert as students return to school for the new term.

School community police officer Constable Teneille Ogilvy said term one was a critical adjustment period for families, children and drivers.

“Our focus in term one is road safety as families adjust to children going back to school,” she said.

She urges motorists to obey the school zone speed limits of 40kmh, and to avoid illegal parking near crossings, on yellow lines, or blocking driveways and access ways.

“Rushing increases the likelihood of accidents and endangers everyone on the road,” she said.

Mrs Ogilvy encourages parents to help children enter and exit vehicles safely from the footpath side, and reminds drivers to be patient with the school road patrol children.

“A lot of them have had quite a big break and they’ll be nervous,” she said.

“Give them a chance when they’re making those decisions. If you know you’re in a school zone, just be prepared to stop.”

Drivers are also reminded to reduce speed to 20kmh when approaching school buses, regardless of the direction they are travelling or whether the bus is stopped or moving slowly.

“Please be very vigilant around school areas,” Mrs Ogilvy said.

“Children are often excited or not fully aware of their surroundings, and we, as adults, need to be responsible.”