In Australia, there are now harsher penalties for drivers who are endangering the safety of children when boarding or exiting school buses. Drivers exceeding 40 km/h when school buses are stationary or actively loading children face a $147 penalty, along with demerit points. This new penalty aims to stop reckless endangerment of children, ignores school zone safety laws, and bus staff during bus pickup and drop-off hours.
Why Is the 40 km/h Rule Needed?
The 40km/h limit rule on school buses is not new. It is just now, more than ever, the rule is being more actively enforced. Having a vehicle strike a child at 50 km/h is much more fatal than a 40 km/h strike. Also, there are children crossing the street and buses with little to no warning. This law is to ensure a driver at any point, for any reason, does not go above 40km/h.
Enforcement and Penalties
According to the revised policy, police officers and traffic enforcement cameras have stepped up monitoring of school bus stops, particularly on rural and suburban routes where excessive speeding is common. Drivers caught exceeding 40 km/h when school buses are displaying flashing warning lights will receive a $147 ticket. Repeated violations could result in stiffer penalties, additional demerit points, or license suspension, depending on the state. This is part of a greater initiative focusing on the safety of roads in areas populated by children.
| Offence Type | Speed Limit Exceeded | Fine Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Near School Bus | Above 40 km/h | $147 |
Public Awareness and Education
In addition to the fines, authorities have broadened the educational outreach. Through local councils, schools, and social media, and other channels, drivers are reminded that when school buses display flashing amber lights, children are present. Drivers need to be extremely careful. To promote this initiative, bus companies are providing more visible lighted warning sign on the buses to signal approaching vehicles. The government has stated that this initiative is intended to be preventive, as the collection of fines will not be their primary motivation.
Impact on Drivers and Communities
More caution is needed from drivers when complying with this rule, particularly during the morning and afternoon school runs. Those in regional areas will have to make adjustments to driving habits in the areas where roads have higher speed limits. Most parents, educators, and safety advocates have supported the adjustment considering early data that indicated a drop in near-miss incidents in the test areas. The overall community enjoys the advantages when drivers ease off the accelerator for a few seconds around distressed road users.
Long-Term Vision for Safer Roads
This measure is part of Australia’s broader “Vision Zero” target of eliminating road deaths and serious injuries by 2050. The reduced speed around school buses is a protective measure that illustrates movement toward that target. It is anticipated that with higher compliance rates, authorities will implement additional measures, like smart signs and vehicle sensors, to assist parents with the unenviable task of ensuring their children’s safety. The $147 fine is a reminder that the time saved on the trip is inconsequential when compared to the value of a life.
FAQs
Q1. When does the 40 km/h limit apply?
It applies when a school bus has its flashing warning lights on to indicate that children are entering or exiting the bus.
Q2. Each Australian state impose similar penalties?
While the penalties and demerits may vary slightly, all states apply severe consequences for speeding near school buses.
Q3. Losing my licence?
Yes, repeated offending results in the accumulation of demerit points which may result in varying state legislation in regard to roads.
