A traffic incident on Wednesday morning in Fair Lawn, a suburb of Bergen County, left a seasoned crossing guard with injuries. The 71-year-old was assisting students across a busy intersection when he was struck by a vehicle. Emergency services arrived promptly following multiple 911 calls and found the individual lying injured outside Forrest Elementary School. While the injuries were significant, they were not life-threatening, and the crossing guard was transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center for treatment.

The accident occurred at the intersection of Arnold Street and Hooper Avenue around 8:40 a.m. An investigation revealed that the crossing guard was helping children cross safely when he was hit by a Toyota Camry making a left turn. The driver, a 22-year-old male, remained at the scene and cooperated fully with authorities. This unfortunate event has highlighted the critical role that crossing guards play in ensuring student safety, especially during school drop-off times.

School officials have taken swift action to reassure the community. Dr. Rui Dionisio, superintendent of Fair Lawn Public Schools, issued a statement emphasizing the importance of traffic safety in school zones. He reminded drivers of the need for heightened vigilance and caution when navigating areas near educational institutions. "Our crossing guards are indispensable in safeguarding our students," Dionisio noted, adding that everyone must do their part to maintain safety.

In the aftermath of this incident, there is a renewed focus on enhancing safety measures around schools. Authorities and school administrators are working together to review current protocols and explore additional steps to protect students and staff. The well-being of all individuals involved in school operations remains the top priority, and efforts are underway to prevent similar occurrences in the future.