VICTORIA. — Police will be out enforcing speed limits in school zones this morning following a horror month on the state’s roads.
There were 40 deaths statewide in September compared with 28 for the same month last year.
It means September was the deadliest month so far this year, ahead of April, which had 26 deaths.
Thirty-eight pedestrians have died on Victoria’s roads this year, the latest figures show, with twice the number of pedestrian fatalities on a Monday than any other day of the week.
For pedestrians aged 0-17 there were 305 recorded collisions in the last recordable 12-month period, with most collisions between the hours of 8-9am and 3-4pm.
The shocking data comes today as Victoria Police urge everyone to take extra care when travelling around school zones as children return to school this week.
Children are amongst our most vulnerable road users. They’re less developed physically and cognitively and have less experience around traffic, and it’s up to all of us to ensure kids are protected.
“With kids heading back to school this week, we want everyone to take extra care when travelling around school zones,” Supt Michael Kelly, Road Policing Operations and Investigations Division, said.
For motorists, this means slowing down and being more alert around schools. Look out for school crossing supervisors and consider their safety as they step out onto the roads to assist children safely across the road.
We’re also asking parents, carers and teachers to talk to children about the importance of road safety and teach them to stop, look, listen and think when crossing the road.
“Each of us needs to do all we can to make sure children are safe around roads, particularly when travelling to and from school,” Supt Kelly said.
There will be an increased police presence around schools this week to ensure motorists are adhering to the reduced speed limits.
Nearly 700 pedestrians were hospitalised on Victoria’s roads during the period February 2025 – February 2026.
Slowing down means everyone can get to school and return home safely.
“Police will be highly visible around school zones this week to ensure everyone is adhering to the reduced speed limits. Police regularly enforce in school zones and are on the lookout for a range of offences, including speeding, using a mobile device while driving and failing to stop at a pedestrian crossing,” Supt Kelly said.
For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.
