MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. — With summer ending and schools across Morris County reopening, Sheriff James M. Gannon is reminding drivers to use extra caution on the roads and watch for students walking, biking, or waiting at bus stops.
“School safety is of the upmost importance at the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. The new back to school period lasts a few weeks. Some Morris County school districts have already started their students back to school. Other districts will not begin until after Labor Day. The public should be aware to watch out for children’s safety and have patience on the roadways during this time. Students walk to school or the bus stop, they ride bikes and sometimes wearing headphones. We must be cautious and protect them from any accidents,” Gannon said.
The sheriff’s office offered several safe driving tips for residents, including obeying school zone speed limits, never passing a bus while children are loading or unloading, and remembering that the 10-foot area around a bus is the most dangerous for students. Drivers are also advised to stop for crossing guards, put phones down, and allow extra travel time during the school year.
“The Morris County Sheriff’s Office assists municipalities with traffic and school safety. One such program is the Responsible School Violence Prevention, Preparation, Protection (RSVP-3), which allows students, teachers, or anyone with a concern to anonymously report threats to school safety and behavior,” Gannon said.
