Walking to school with my stepson in South River, NJ, should be a pleasant start to our day, but instead, it fills us with anxiety. We approach several busy intersections, and the crossing guards are not present until we've crossed approximately 80% of our journey. This leaves us navigating dangerous traffic on our own, where drivers often fail to yield to pedestrians, especially small children.

The current schedule for crossing guards to start their shifts at 7:45 am does not meet the safety needs of our community. School begins at 7:55 am, and many families like ours need to start their walk earlier to arrive on time. Having crossing guards start their shifts at 7:30 am would significantly enhance the safety of children commuting to school.

Adapting the crossing guard's start time by 15 minutes is a small yet impactful change. More uniform presence at key intersections will prevent potential accidents and provide peace of mind to parents and children alike. Statistics show that pedestrian fatalities are significantly reduced in areas where crossing guards actively manage intersections. It is vital that we address this gap in coverage promptly.

We urge the school board and relevant authorities in South River, NJ, to consider and implement this change immediately. Supporting the safety and wellbeing of our children and community members should be a top priority. Please sign this petition to help ensure a safer journey to school for all South River families.