As a mother, I know how hectic these times can be - with children, school bags, books, sporting equipment and instruments piling in and out of the car; with friends popping over to say 'hello' and any number of other distractions.

This is why special speed zones around schools are so important.

School zones help keep our children safe.

Yet, it has been reported that during 2014-2015, the NSW Department of State Revenue processed 100,411 speeding and red light camera infringement notices in school zones.

As well as being a mother, I am also a motor vehicle accident lawyer who regularly represents children injured in car accidents, and their devastated families.

We are so used to our cars that it is easy to forget how powerful they are and how much damage they can do.

I urge all motorists to remember that school is back and to pay careful attention to the reduced speed limits around schools.

Genevieve Henderson

Slater and Gordon Lawyers