Cops Plan Back-to-School Blitz After Deadliest Month on Roads

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 5, 2026

Victoria Police will increase patrols and enforcement in school zones following September's peak of 40 road deaths in Victoria, the highest this year. The move targets speeding and distracted driving to enhance safety as students return to class, addressing a concerning rise in pedestrian fatalities, especially among children.

Following the deadliest month on Victorian roads this year, police have announced an increased presence around school zones as students return to class on Monday. Authorities urge motorists, parents, and carers to exercise heightened caution, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times.

In September, Victoria experienced 40 road fatalities, the highest monthly toll for 2023, compared to 28 deaths in the same period last year. This rise has sparked concern among road safety officials, especially given that 38 pedestrians have died across the state so far this year. Data from Victoria Police also indicates that Monday sees twice as many pedestrian fatalities as any other day of the week.

The month included a fatal hit-and-run incident near Frankston South, where an 83-year-old woman was struck on Frankston-Flinders Road. The driver, reportedly operating a dark-colored SUV, fled the scene but was later identified and arrested after a 55-year-old man contacted authorities.

Over the past 12 months, police recorded 305 collisions involving pedestrians aged 17 or under, predominantly occurring during school transit periods. Between February 2022 and February 2023, nearly 700 pedestrians required hospitalization due to road incidents across Victoria.

In response to these figures, Victoria Police’s Road Policing Operations and Investigations Division will intensify enforcement efforts focusing on speed compliance and other offenses such as mobile phone use and failure to yield at pedestrian crossings. Superintendent Michael Kelly emphasized the shared responsibility among all road users to protect children near schools.

"Each of us needs to do all we can to make sure children are safe around roads, particularly when travelling to and from school," Supt Kelly said. "For motorists, this means slowing down and being more alert around schools. Police will be highly visible around school zones this week to ensure everyone is adhering to the reduced speed limits."

The stepped-up police monitoring aims to reinforce adherence to road rules and encourage safer driving behaviors to reduce accidents and fatalities during the start of the new school term. "Slowing down means everyone can get to school and return home safely," Supt Kelly added.

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