Stop for Safety: NJ Launches Urgent “Protect Our Crossing Guards” Billboard Campaign
file photo courtesy of Boyd Loving
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Every day, New Jersey’s crossing guards brave freezing temperatures, torrential rain, and heavy snow to ensure our children reach school safely. Now, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) is sounding the alarm to protect these vital community members from a rising threat: distracted driving.
In honor of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the NJDOL has launched a high-visibility billboard campaign aimed at saving lives at the Garden State’s busiest intersections.
The Message: “They Protect Our Children. Let’s Protect Them.”
The campaign, spearheaded by the Public Employees’ Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH) division, isn’t just about awareness—it’s about survival. With traffic accidents on the rise, NJDOL is taking the message directly to the asphalt.
“Crossing guards are our family members and neighbors,” says Acting Labor Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis. “They show up rain or shine. It is critical that every driver slows down and pays attention. We must protect the people who protect our kids.”
Where to See the Signs
Drivers will encounter these bold safety reminders at three of New Jersey’s most heavily traveled corridors:
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Bergen County: Rt 17S & I-80 E at Exit 64
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Central Jersey: Rt 1 (S), North of Adam Stanton Road
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NJ Turnpike: I-95, 5 miles south of Exit 8A (Facing South)
A Crisis on NJ Streets: Why This Matters Now
The urgency of this campaign follows a tragic year for New Jersey’s public servants. In 2025 alone, four crossing guards were seriously injured in Burlington, Belleville, Fair Lawn, and Paramus.
The statistics are sobering:
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Burlington Tragedy: A recent injury occurred just steps away from where Crossing Guard Bruce Morlack lost his life in the line of duty last December.
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Critical Injuries: One guard recently remained in a medically induced coma after being struck by a delivery truck.
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Weather Hazards: Snow-covered corners and record-cold temperatures have made visibility and stopping distances more dangerous than ever.
The NJDOL Safety Standards (PEOSH)
Through the Local Emphasis Program (LEP), the NJDOL is inspecting school districts and police departments to ensure guards have the tools they need to stay visible, including:
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High-Visibility Gear: Apparel meeting strict ANSI 107/207 safety standards.
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Reflective STP Paddles: For clear communication in low-light conditions.
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Mandatory Training: Rigorous classroom and field instruction.
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Hazard-Free Zones: Ensuring crosswalks are clear of ice, snow, and trip hazards.
The Bottom Line: Put the Phone Away
This initiative aligns with Governor Sherill’s commitment to child safety and the Target Zero Commission’s goal to eliminate all traffic fatalities in New Jersey by 2040.
Under the 2025 “Put the Phone Away or Pay” enforcement campaign, New Jersey law strictly prohibits handheld device use while driving. For crossing guards, a driver’s five-second glance at a text message can be the difference between life and death.
Drive alert. Stay off the phone. Save a life.
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