The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety has urged motorists, parents, school administrators and learners to exercise extra caution as schools reopen for the third term of 2026.
The directorate spokesperson, SP Michael Kananura, said the reopening of schools is expected to increase traffic, particularly around schools, highways and other busy areas.
He warned that children are among the most vulnerable road users because they may not accurately judge vehicle speed and distance.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility. Do not drive as if you own the road; drive as if you own the car,” Kananura said.
He urged motorists to reduce speed around schools and pedestrian crossings and avoid reckless driving, dangerous overtaking, distracted driving and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Kananura also called on parents and school administrators to ensure that children use safe, inspected and authorised transport.
He said school vehicles should be roadworthy, properly licensed, driven by qualified drivers and should not be overloaded.
Schools, he added, should sensitise learners about road safety and properly manage pick-up and drop-off points to minimise risks.
Learners have also been advised to use designated pedestrian crossings where available, avoid distractions and walk facing oncoming traffic where there are no walkways.
Kananura urged children to look right, left and right again before crossing the road.
“There is no journey that is more important than a child’s life,” he said.
