As thousands of local students head back to the classroom this week for another year of learning, authorities are busy schooling motorists on the need to take extra care on the roads at this time of year.

An absence of cars, buses and kids around schoolyard entrances over the long summer break has dulled motorists’ memories of the mad-rush hustle and bustle which punctuates the beginning and end of a normal school day.

Nine kids were run down and killed near schools in New South Wales alone last year and that’s nine too many.

The Roads and Traffic Authority was among the bodies yesterday calling for a safe start to the school year.

Their simple, life-saving advice is worthy of consideration today.

• Parents should always park legally and make sure they supervise their child’s journey all the way to the school gate.

• Parents of children aged under 10 should always hold their hand when crossing the road.

• Never call a child across the road.

• Children should always use the footpath side rear door when getting in and out of the car.

• Children should always wear their seatbelts when they travel in the car, no matter how short the journey.

All drivers are required to slow to 40kph around school buses when the bus lights are flashing, which indicate the bus is picking up or setting down children.

Special speed limits (40kph here) apply before and after school in the specially marked zones around schools.

“These school zones help make motorists aware there may be children nearby, and enable them to respond effectively to unpredictable road behaviour of children travelling to and from school,” an RTA spokesperson said yesterday.

It’s good advice, worth noting in this first week of the school year.