NJDOL launches campaign to improve crossing guard safety during Distracted Driving Awareness Month

NEW JERSEY — The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development has launched a new public awareness campaign aimed at improving safety for crossing guards across the state.

The campaign, announced during April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month, includes billboards placed at high-traffic locations to remind drivers to slow down and stay alert near school crossings.

Officials said the effort builds on a crossing guard safety initiative introduced last year and is part of a broader push to reduce accidents involving crossing guards.

“Crossing guards are our family members, neighbors, and serve a vital role in our communities – they show up rain or shine, every single day to make sure our children get to and from school safely,” said Acting Labor Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis. “NJDOL will continue to drive home the critical importance that every driver on New Jersey’s roadways slow down and pay attention to keep crossing guards safe – they protect our children, let’s protect them.”

The campaign features billboard placements along Route 17 South near Interstate 80, Route 1 South in central New Jersey, and the New Jersey Turnpike south of Exit 8A.

State officials said the campaign comes amid a series of recent incidents involving crossing guards, including injuries reported in 2025 in Burlington, Belleville, Fair Lawn and Paramus. One recent case left a crossing guard seriously injured and hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle.

Officials also cited hazardous weather conditions as a contributing factor, noting that snow and icy conditions have created additional dangers at intersections.

As part of its ongoing efforts, the department’s Public Employees’ Occupational Safety and Health program continues to inspect school districts and police departments to ensure crossing guards are equipped with proper safety gear, including high-visibility clothing and reflective paddles, and receive appropriate training.

“Crossing guards do their part every single day,” said Acting Commissioner Jarvis. “It’s time that as drivers we do our part by making sure we are alert and driving safely each and every time we get on the road.”

Officials said the campaign is part of a broader statewide effort to improve roadway safety and reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths.