Police are urging parents and drivers to pay attention as pupils and children return to school.
National road policing centre director Superintendent Steve Greally said parents and caregivers needed to instil the importance of road safety in their children.
Young children could be excitable and distracted on the trip to school, and might forget to check driveways or miss hazards on the road.
Children and teenagers needed to have safety advice instilled in them frequently, even as they became young adults.
"As teenagers they may be more prone to having their heads down in a phone, wearing earphones, and potentially not paying attention when they should be, such as when crossing a road."
He suggested parents sit down with their children before the end of the holidays and have a conversation about road safety, including the road rules, the safest route and the best places to cross the road.
It was important parents followed the rules as well, as children would notice bad behaviour and think it was acceptable for them to break the rules as well, he said.
Drivers needed to watch their speeds around schools and be extra alert in case a child ran out without warning.
"Children can make mistakes, so always be aware."
