Shire of Wagin chief executive Len Calneggia said with some students going to school for the first time, it was important drivers took care.

“Children often get distracted and don’t pay as much attention around roads as they perhaps should,” he said.

“Unfortunately, the same sometimes applies to drivers.”

Every year some 20 children under the age of 16 years are killed on WA roads, with a further 280 severely injured requiring hospitalisation.

Drivers can easily be distracted when behind the wheel.

The use of mobile phones and GPS units, as well as eating and the activity of passengers are common distractions while driving.

“Any of these can distract us from giving our full attention when driving and any lapse in our attention, even for just a moment, could have heart-breaking consequences,” Mr Calneggia said.

“If we all make sure we drive cautiously and reduce our speed in school zones to 40km/h from 7.30am until 9am and 2.30pm until 4pm, we will help keep our children safe.”