Summit police officers are stationed at every school in the city as classes resume, part of a back-to-school safety push announced Monday, Aug. 31, by the department's Traffic Safety Bureau.
Traffic Lt. Charlie Daly said the deployment aims to protect students walking and biking to school and to encourage safe driving in school zones. Officers are posted at all Summit schools for the start of the school year, according to the city's advisory. The advisory did not say how long the deployment will last.
"Pedestrian safety is always a priority for Summit Police, but it's particularly important during back to school when children may be distracted by the excitement of seeing friends and meeting new teachers," Daly said.
The department listed specific guidance for students walking and biking:
- Look all ways before crossing the street and look up from your phone.
- Cross only at corners and use crosswalks.
- Obey police officers, crossing guards and traffic signals.
- Do not run or play near traffic or cross from between parked cars.
- Walk in groups to and from school.
- Wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road when riding a bicycle.
For drivers, the advisory urges:
- Put the phone down. Pull over if a distraction cannot wait.
- Slow down in school zones and neighborhoods where children may be present.
- Watch for pedestrians in poorly lit conditions, including at dusk, dawn and in bad weather.
- Always stop for pedestrians at crosswalks. Do not block or park in crosswalks.
The advisory also directs cyclists to review the rules for riding e-bikes and e-scooters in town, including new state guidelines for operating them, at cityofsummit.org/bikesafety.
Residents can reach the Summit Police Department's non-emergency line at (908) 273-0051.
