NUTLEY, N.J. – The Nutley Police Department is warning drivers to use extra caution around schools as students return to class, with officials expecting additional traffic near John Walker Middle School this year.
Police said sixth-grade students will attend the Franklin Avenue middle school for the first time this school year, bringing more vehicles into the area during morning drop-off and afternoon pickup. Motorists are being encouraged to consider alternate routes during those periods to help reduce congestion.
- Police expect more vehicles around John Walker Middle School during drop-off and pickup because sixth graders are attending the school this year.
- Drivers are being reminded to obey school-zone speed limits, yield at crosswalks and stop for school buses displaying flashing lights and extended stop arms.
- AAA data cited by Nutley Police says more than a quarter-million child pedestrian injuries and fatalities over the last decade occurred between 3 and 7 p.m.
Nutley Police Urge Extra Caution Around Schools
With the school year beginning, police are asking both motorists and pedestrians to pay closer attention around schools, intersections and crosswalks.
The department reminded pedestrians to use crosswalks and drivers to yield to people legally crossing the street. Motorists should also obey posted speed limits, particularly in school zones.
Police also stressed that motorists must not pass school buses when their stop arms are extended and flashing lights are activated.
“Let’s work together to keep our children safe, remember, school’s open, drive carefully!” the Nutley Police Department said.
The warning comes as afternoon hours remain an important period for child pedestrian safety. Police cited AAA data showing that more than a quarter-million child pedestrian injuries and fatalities during the past decade occurred between 3 and 7 p.m.
More Traffic Expected Near John Walker Middle School
One change this school year is expected to affect traffic around John Walker Middle School on Franklin Avenue.
“This is the first year 6th grade students will be attending John Walker Middle School on Franklin Ave. and there will subsequently be more vehicles in the area during drop-off and pick-up times,” police said.
The department is asking drivers who do not need to travel through the immediate area to consider using another route during the busiest school arrival and dismissal periods.
“We encourage motorists to plan alternate routes of travel during these times to alleviate congestion,” police said.
The department’s message is aimed at reducing traffic problems while keeping students safer as families settle into new school-year routines.
More traffic is expected near John Walker Middle School.
Nutley Police said sixth graders are attending the Franklin Avenue school this year, increasing vehicle traffic during arrival and dismissal.
Drivers are being reminded to follow school safety laws.
Police emphasized school-zone speed limits, yielding at crosswalks and stopping for school buses with activated flashing lights and extended stop arms.
Afternoon hours are a key time for pedestrian safety.
AAA data cited by police says more than a quarter-million child pedestrian injuries and fatalities over the past decade occurred between 3 and 7 p.m.
Sources: Nutley Police Department; AAA School’s Open — Drive Carefully
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