RACQ spokeswoman Renee Smith said motorists should be particularly cautious in school zones where children would be stepping out of cars and crossing roads.

``School zones are one of the most dangerous places on our roads, with about 20 children injured in these areas in Queensland each year,'' Ms Smith said.

``Children have not yet developed the spatial awareness we have as adults so I encourage everyone on the roads to be alert and prepared for the unexpected.'' 

Ms Smith said parents should take the following precautions when dropping their children off at school:

?hp0? Park safely, on the same side of the road as the school if possible, and let children out on the kerbside.

?hp0? Avoid reversing, particularly if visibility is hindered.

?hp0? Never double park.

?hp0? Never call to children from across the road.

To help children develop traffic and road sense, RACQ delivers the Streets Ahead program at Queensland primary schools throughout the year.

``The children learn about pedestrian, passenger and bicycle safety through age-appropriate and highly interactive presentations conveying vital road safety messages,'' Ms Smith said.

``The better prepared they are for the risks they face on and near roads the better, and as motorists we must exercise that extra care in school zones to reduce these risks.

``It's a real tragedy when someone gets hurt on Queensland's roads but particularly when it's a young child.

``The first day of a new school term is a big one for most children, so we want to ensure they get off to a safe and happy start.''