An Initiative by the MRHS SADD Club (Students Against Destructive Decisions)

As students at Matawan Regional High School, members of the SADD Club (Students Against Destructive Decisions) are deeply concerned about the safety of our school zones. In recent months, our community has experienced several close calls involving students at arrival and dismissal. Watching a child—or a fellow student—narrowly escape harm is something no one should ever have to witness. Yet these incidents have become far too common because of the persistent problem of drivers speeding through school zones.

Although the posted speed limit is 25 mph when school is in session, this rule is often ignored by drivers. Static signage alone is not enough to remind or enforce the speed limit during the most critical times—when students are arriving at or leaving school. Research shows that flashing speed limit signs can reduce driver speeds by up to 30%, making roads significantly safer for pedestrians and especially for children.

This issue is especially urgent along Atlantic Avenue, where high traffic volume, a concentration of novice drivers, and heavy school bus activity create particularly hazardous conditions during morning and afternoon congestion.

Before formally presenting to the Aberdeen Town Council, we want to gather community input and public support. This petition represents the first step in our effort to understand how residents, families, staff, and local drivers feel about current school zone safety measures. As students, we believe that informed advocacy begins with listening — collecting opinions, data, and experiences from the people who share our roads every day.

Our ultimate goal is to recommend that the Town Council install flashing speed limit signs at school zone entrances and along key stretches of road surrounding the district’s schools. These signs would serve as a constant, dynamic reminder that prompts drivers to slow down and stay alert when students are present.

Student safety must be a shared priority. Flashing signs are not just a want—they are a need. They’ve been proven effective in countless other communities that prioritize pedestrian safety, and they could mean the difference between life and tragedy in our own.

Every child in the Aberdeen–Matawan community deserves to arrive and depart from school safely. Your signature will help us demonstrate that this issue matters to the entire community and provide valuable feedback for the data we’ll present to the Town Council.

Please join us by signing and sharing this petition today — your support helps amplify the student voice advocating for safer school zones.