New Zealand Police road policing operations manager Inspector Peter McKennie said the summer holidays were long and it meant some children may have forgotten some of the basic rules they need to follow to keep themselves safe.
''Add to that their excitement about returning to school and seeing their friends, and this can mean they will be less alert to the traffic dangers around them.''
Police around the country were asking parents to sit down with their children before the end of the holidays and have a conversation about road safety rules.
Carisbrook School principal Ben Sincock said it was important, particularly for parents of pupils at his school.
''It's diabolical around here. The speed of traffic on South Rd - even with the electronic 40kmh warning signs - is high.
''A lot of cars just aren't focused on the pedestrian crossing on South Rd.
''Even though we've got road crossing patrols, there's been incidents of cars driving through manned pedestrian crossings when the signs are across the road.
''We have near-misses on a monthly basis, which is far too frequent for our liking.''
Insp McKennie suggested parents help their children choose the safest route to get to and from school, and do a few practice walks or bikes with them so they were familiar with the route and the safest places to cross roads.
''It is important to remind them that any time they are crossing the road, they must stop, look, and listen for any cars, bikes, or cyclists before they step out.''
When it came to dropping children off at school, he urged parents to remember that children would follow their parents' actions.
''If you break the rules, kids will think it is OK to as well, and that can put lives in danger.
''For that reason, we need parents to stick to the road rules.
''Try parking a bit further away from school and walking if there aren't any free parks close by. Make sure you don't park on yellow lines.''
Insp McKennie reminded motorists in general to keep their speed down and be ''extra alert'' in case a child ran or biked out in front of them without warning.
''Even small increases in speed result in a much greater increase in your stopping distance, and that can mean the difference between life and death for pedestrians. So it's vital you slow down around schools.
''Children make mistakes, but they don't deserve to pay for them with their life.''
