As flip-flops are traded for sneakers, neighborhoods across New Jersey shift gears for the return to school. It’s not just kids who are adjusting to new routines, it’s drivers too. Drivers must reacquaint themselves with slower speeds, busier crosswalks, and the morning buzz of students moving through their communities. With the school year underway, mornings and afternoons see a surge not only in vehicle traffic, but also increases in foot traffic, bicycles, buses, and more families on the move. Children, some walking for the first time without a parent, are among our most vulnerable road users. It’s important to remember that “back-to-school season” isn’t just a time for pencils and planners; it’s a time to prioritize street safety for everyone, especially students traveling to and from school.

Back-to-School Means Back to Basics

Drivers, a few small choices can make a big difference:

• Drive like class just got dismissed: Slow down in school zones. Driving slow allows more time to react to changing conditions.
• No phones, no distractions, no excuses: A glance at your screen can mean missing a child in a crosswalk.
• Look out for school buses: Never pass a school bus when loading or unloading students. Watch for the bus flashing lights and extended stop arm. Traffic in both directions must stop, even on a divided road.
• Be driveway-aware: Please observe all traffic laws and use extra caution while reversing, particularly in driveways.
• Watch for crossing guards: Always stop when directed by a crossing guard. Obey their instructions, they are there to help keep us all safe.
• Be patient: When experiencing delays take a deep breath. A little patience goes a long way in all traffic situations.

Student Walkers and Bikers, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Remain alert: Always be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to signs and signals when walking.
• Cross smart: Obey pedestrian signals; cross on the green light and with the pedestrian signal. Look both ways, even when you have the signal right of way.
• Ride right: Students on bikes should ride on the right side of the road, with traffic.
• Follow crossing guard directions: Whether walking or biking, crossing guards are there to help students get across streets safely and must be paid attention to.

Recognize New Jersey’s Safe Passing Law

New Jersey’s Safe Passing Law requires drivers to move over a lane (if there’s one to move into) while following all current no-passing and no-speeding laws. On a single-lane road, drivers must provide a distance of at least 4 feet to pass a vulnerable road user, safely. If 4 feet is not possible, drivers must slow to 25 mph and be prepared to stop until they can pass safely without endangering those sharing the road.

Let’s Start the School Year with Care

Safety isn’t seasonal. While school brings urgency to these reminders, the truth is: safer streets benefit everyone, every day. Whether you’re dropping off your child, biking to class, or commuting past a crosswalk, remember, our roads are shared spaces. Let’s keep them safe, welcoming, and calm.

Here’s to a safe and bright school year. Welcome back, New Jersey!