Every morning and afternoon, South African roads become especially busy as parents, taxis, and school transport vehicles rush to drop off and pick up children. Unfortunately, school zones are
also high-risk areas for road accidents, with speeding, distracted driving, and unsafe pedestrian behaviour being leading causes of injury.
As parents, drivers, and community members, we all have a role to play in ensuring the safety of children in and around schools. Here’s what you need to know about school zone laws, safe
drop-off practices, and pedestrian safety to protect young lives.
Understanding South African School Zone Laws
South Africa has strict speed limits in school zones to reduce the risk of accidents. While limits vary by location, many municipalities enforce 30 – 40 km/h speed limits near schools. Drivers
caught exceeding this limit can face heavy fines or even licence suspension.
The National Road Traffic Act (NRTA) also requires that:
- Pedestrian crossings near schools are clearly marked.
- Scholar patrols, where available, must be respected.
- Vehicles must stop for schoolchildren crossing at designated areas.
Despite these laws, reckless driving and illegal stops remain common in school zones, putting children at risk.
Safe Drop-Off and Pick-Up Practices for Parents
One of the busiest and most dangerous times around schools is during drop-off and pick-up. To
reduce congestion and improve safety, parents should:
- Use designated drop-off zones. Avoid stopping in the middle of the road or double-parking.
- Always drop children on the sidewalk side of the car. This prevents them from stepping into traffic.
- Avoid distracted driving. No texting or talking on the phone while navigating busy school areas.
- Teach children to wait safely. Encourage them to stay away from moving cars and avoid running across the road.
Pedestrian Safety: Teaching Kids Road Awareness
Children are among the most vulnerable road users. Teaching them the importance of road safety can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Here are a few key lessons every child
should know:
- Always cross at the “zebra” crossings.
- Never running between parked cars.
- Look left, right, and left again before crossing.
- Make eye contact with drivers to make sure you are seen.
- Never assume a car will stop.
Schools can improve road safety by:
- Implementing scholar patrols to assist younger children in crossing safely.
- Advocating for speed bumps and clear signage around school zones.
- Educating learners about pedestrian safety as part of the curriculum.
School zones should be safe spaces where children can move freely without fear of road accidents. Your actions can make a difference whether you are a parent, driver, or community
member. Following road rules, driving carefully, and teaching children about pedestrian safety can reduce accidents and save lives.