Back to school, and road danger

Back to school, and road danger rises

School goes back next week for Sunshine students, and while many parents will delight at the thought, the students’ reactions may not always be as enthusiastic.

It’s a time to remember that a lot of things change for all of us when school goes back. On the roads, not only will there be more traffic, but 40km/h zones around schools will begin operating again, cars will stop in drop-off zones as they ferry kids to and from school, and there will be more people on bicycles and getting on and off public transport to contend with on our regular journeys.

Our kids spend about 1200 hours a year at school, which is a long time away from the care of their parents. While our schools take on a serious duty of care to keep our children safe when they’re not with us, we all share a responsibility to take heightened care around schools and on the roads. We wish all Sunshine students the best of luck this year and hope they stay safe both in and around the school grounds. Geraldine Collins, principal, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, Sunshine

Re: Mystified by myki, and fined (Weekly, January 22):

In Sydney, vulnerable people in the community (people with a disability or seniors) can buy a short-term paper ticket (only $2.50) for their public transport needs for the day. The same should happen here.

Matthew Close (via web)