Operation Safe School Zones - Back-to-School Traffic Safety Campaign
The Franklin Lakes Police Department is announcing the launch of “Operation Safe School Zones,” a comprehensive back-to-school traffic safety campaign focused on education, awareness, and enforcement in and around local school zones.
The campaign will begin on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, and continue through Friday, September 25, 2026. Enhanced traffic education and enforcement efforts will continue throughout the 2026–2027 school year.
The goal of Operation Safe School Zones is to help prevent traffic-related crashes and injuries by educating motorists, parents, and students about safe driving and pedestrian practices while taking enforcement action against dangerous and unlawful driving behaviors.
During the campaign, officers will focus on motorists who:
• Fail to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks;
• Fail to stop for crossing guards;
• Drive while distracted in school zones;
• Exceed posted speed limits in school zones;
• Illegally pass stopped school buses;
• Block crosswalks at intersections;
• Illegally stop or park in designated “No Stopping” areas for student drop-off or pick-up; and
• Fail to wear or ensure that children wear, required safety belts.
To support the campaign, the Franklin Lakes Police Department will assign additional officers to traffic education and enforcement duties during the first two weeks of the new school year. Message boards and educational materials will also be utilized to remind motorists that school is back in session and that additional caution is necessary.
INCREASED TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN ACTIVITY
The start of the school year brings increased pedestrian and vehicular activity to local roadways. More children travel to and from school each morning and afternoon, while changes in traffic patterns and reduced daylight hours can create additional safety concerns.
Motorists should anticipate increased congestion, allow additional travel time, and remain patient and attentive while traveling through school zones and residential areas.
Parents and caregivers are reminded to use only school-designated areas for student drop-off and pick-up and to follow all posted traffic restrictions.
SAFETY TIPS FOR MOTORISTS
The Franklin Lakes Police Department reminds motorists to:
• Slow down and obey all traffic laws and posted speed limits.
• Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Always stop for a school bus that has stopped to load or unload children.
• Never illegally pass a stopped school bus.
• Do not block crosswalks or intersections.
• Avoid distracted driving, especially in school zones.
• Remain alert and prepared to stop for children and pedestrians.
• Watch carefully for children, particularly in areas where sidewalks are not available.
• Follow all instructions from crossing guards and school personnel.
SAFETY TIPS FOR STUDENTS
Students are encouraged to:
• Always buckle up when riding in a vehicle.
• Ride in the back seat, which is the safest place for young passengers.
• Wear a properly fitted helmet and follow all safety rules when riding a bicycle.
• Learn and follow school bus safety rules, including those for waiting at the bus stop, boarding and exiting the bus, and riding safely.
• When walking to school, always use designated crosswalks and look both ways before crossing.
• Obey traffic signs and signals and follow the instructions of crossing guards.
• Use sidewalks whenever they are available.
SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS & TEACHERS
Parents and teachers can help keep children safe by:
• Teaching and practicing safety rules for walking, bicycling, traveling in a passenger vehicle, and riding a school bus.
• Supervising young children while they walk or ride bicycles to school.
• Reinforcing the importance of using crosswalks and obeying traffic signals.
• Setting a positive example by always wearing a seat belt and using designated crosswalks.
The Franklin Lakes Police Department is committed to providing a safe environment for our children, particularly in the areas surrounding our schools. Through a combination of education, community awareness, and enforcement, the Department is working to ensure that students can travel to and from school safely.
The Franklin Lakes Police Department encourages everyone to slow down, stay alert, follow the rules of the road, and work together to make the 2026–2027 school year a safe one for our children.