Motorists in Tauranga are being asked to watch out for school children as most schools start back up on Tuesday, January 30.

The Motor Trade Association is urging drivers to be extra vigilant around schools and childcare facilities, particularly at peak school pick up and drop off times.

School buses are just one of the many hazards when dropping children off at school.

MTA spokeswoman Ana Zandi says this is the start of a busy time for many parents.

'As well as the normal worries of dropping off and picking up children, there is for many the additional concern of things like stationery lists, new uniforms and out of school activities to consider.

'It's easy to be distracted, just by the sheer volume of things to be thinking about, hence people need to remind themselves that they are back into their routine.”

Statistics show peak times for injury accidents involving pedestrians coincides with school drop off and pick up times.

'All drivers, not just parents need to be totally aware of what's happening around school zones, school buses and daycare centres," says Ana.

'Safety has to be the first priority, even though this usually takes place when people typically have a lot on their minds.

'The rush to beat traffic and make appointments or start times can lead to drivers concentrating on their own needs at the expense of children, students or other road users,” says Ana.