As schools across New Jersey begin a new academic year, thousands of children will rely on school crossing guards to help them travel safely to and from school. Every morning and afternoon, crossing guards step into busy streets, stop traffic, and create safe opportunities for students to cross. Yet despite the critical role they play, crossing guards too often face dangerous and disrespectful behavior from motorists. Drivers speeding through school zones, ignoring traffic laws, failing to stop at crosswalks, or disregarding a guard’s instructions place not only crossing guards at risk, but also the children they are protecting. Respecting crossing guards is not simply a courtesy. It is a responsibility shared by everyone who uses our roads to help protect crossing guards, so that they are able to protect students.
Working as a crossing guard has been described as one of the most dangerous jobs in municipal government. Tragically, New Jersey has witnessed several crossing-guard fatalities in recent years. One of the most recent occurred in Woodland Park where beloved crossing guard Jean Schultz was struck and killed while helping children cross the street. Such incidents serve as heartbreaking reminders about the importance of crossing guards and the vital role they play in our communities. The dangers crossing guards face are not inevitable. Every driver has the power to help prevent these tragedies. Motorists should slow down in school zones, eliminate distractions, stay alert for pedestrians, and always obey a crossing guard’s directions. A few extra seconds of patience can save lives.
Recognizing the importance of pedestrian safety, the New Jersey Assembly passed Bill AJR150 in June 2026, which would designate September 21 as New Jersey Pedestrian Crosswalk Safety Day. The measure honors the legacy of crossing guard Bruce Morlack, who lost his life while saving two students crossing the street. This bill encourages schools, municipalities, community organizations, and other residents to observe the day with appropriate programs and activities. While the legislation must still pass the New Jersey Senate before becoming law, it highlights a growing recognition that crossing guards deserve both appreciation and protection.
Awareness days and recognition programs are important, but meaningful change requires action from all of us. Drivers must respect crossing guards as authority figures responsible for traffic control. Parents should reinforce that message with their children and help foster a culture of appreciation.
In support of these goals the New Jersey Crossing Guard Training and Resource Program provides training videos, guidance on state laws, and other practical tools and resources to support crossing guards and their supervisors.
Resources for Police and Crossing Guard Supervisors
The NJ Crossing Guards Training & Resources Program website offers a variety of resources to strengthen local crossing guard programs. Supervisors and law enforcement agencies are encouraged to review the New Jersey Crossing Guard Manual for Supervisors (Soon to be updated!) and the Model Municipal Crossing Guard Policy.
The Manual is a comprehensive guide outlining training, policies, procedures, and resources for school crossing guard programs. It is designed to provide consistent guidance across the state and serve as a reference document, incorporating best practices and state traffic laws. The Model Policy serves as a guide for municipalities developing school crossing guard policies, detailing standards and procedures for supervisors in the hiring, training, and support of their employees.
Resources for Crossing Guards
Crossing guards can access valuable safety resources, including a library of training videos. The main Crossing Guard Training Program Video covers training basics on best practices for crossing guards to safely cross students. It serves as an excellent reminder and supplement to annual crossing guard training. Additionally, The Challenging Crossings training video goes into more detail, addressing complex situations including multi-lane crossings, turning vehicles, signalized intersections, road noise, excessive vehicle speeds, sun glare, and difficult road geometry. These practical strategies help guards recognize and respond to challenging conditions before they become dangerous.
Resources for Parents and Community Members
Community support is essential to maintaining safe and successful crossing guard programs. Parents and residents can show their appreciation through initiatives including organizing recognition events, creating thank-you cards, and working with local officials to publicly acknowledge crossing guards’ service.
The Safe Routes to School Resource Center has also developed the Respect the Vest video series, a collection of short, shareable videos that remind drivers and community members of the important role crossing guards play. These short social media-ready videos are easy to share and are great reminders to school parents and community members of the important role crossing guards play and our role in listening to them and respecting them.
Respect the Vest!
School crossing guards protect some of the most vulnerable members of our communities every day. They deserve more than our gratitude. They deserve our attention, cooperation, and respect. As another school year begins, let us remember that crossing guards cannot do their jobs alone. Every driver who slows down, every parent who teaches their child to cross with the crossing guard, and every community member who shows appreciation contributes to safer streets.