Busy roads and unpredictable children on bikes and footpaths are promoting a police warning for drivers to be extra vigilant and patient around schools, as students head back to the classrooms.
Hawke's Bay Road Policing Senior Sergeant Greg Brown said the start of the new school year was traditionally busy on the roads.
"We're urging all drivers to be more aware of their surroundings and keep an eye out for kids on their bikes and on footpaths," he said.
"Reduce your speed around schools and be prepared for congestion at the start and end of the school day."
He said new students were especially vulnerable, as they may not know road layouts or local traffic patterns, and added children could be unpredictable, placing the responsibility on everyone to make sure they got to and from school safely.