The most dangerous time and day for car crashes

The AAMI research also revealed one third of Australians have confessed to speeding through school zones.

As children around the country begin returning to school, AAMI data showed 29 per cent of drivers admitted to being confused about rules surrounding school zones, times, signs and speed limits

One in ten drivers admitted to speeding through school zones because there was "no children in sight", while one in 20 have been involved in accidents or near misses near schools.

Australian Road Safety Foundation chief executive and founder Russell White said 16 pedestrian children were killed on roads nationwide last year.

"Each year, more than 1,200 lives are tragically lost on Australian roads,' he said.

"This year, we want to see a decrease in road fatalities, especially involving children, and we're calling on the community to help us achieve this."

Research also revealed 72 per cent of Australians admitted to speeding in general, with two thirds saying they didn't notice road signs.

"No-one wants to be involved in a car accident with a child, these can be traumatic and have a ripple effect in the community, not just on those involved," Mr White said.

"School zones are in place to protect lives and prevent fatalities but are only effective when adhered to."

Fridays were the worst day of the week for crashes, with 1.30pm to 4pm during school pick up proving the most dangerous window, the research found

AAMI motor claims manager Leah James said young children often have limited road safety experience, and can behave unpredictably.

"Reduced speed limits in school zones have been around in different states for more than two decades, so there is absolutely no excuse to speed through school zones," she said.

"A pedestrian crossing the road has an 87 per cent chance of survival when hit by a vehicle travelling at 40km/h or less. This drops dramatically when the speed is higher."