NJ parents demand safer crosswalks after two middle schoolers hit by car

NEW JERSEY (PIX11) – Parents in Maplewood, New Jersey, are calling for safer crosswalks for their kids after two middle schoolers were hit by a car Monday morning. 

The crash happened shortly before 8 a.m. at the intersection of Prospect Street and Oakland Road. Maplewood Police report one student was taken to the hospital by a parent and treated for non-life threatening injuries. 

The second student’s parent declined medical attention. The driver stayed at the scene and was ticketed for failing to yield to a pedestrian and careless driving. 

“This whole strip down here, kids are always walking to school every morning,” said dad Aaron Hornick, who lives next to the intersection. “They have crossing guards down near the schools but not over here.” 

“People are driving fast,” said mom Alexis Auleta. “They’re going through stop signs. They’re making lefts on red. They’re not adhering to crosswalks. So, as a parent, it’s really tough because we’re worried about our kids.” 

Auleta would like to see more crossing guards, signage, and a greater police presence. 

“I don’t see them [officers] at crosswalks, at places where there are a lot of kids [like] parks, schools,” said Auleta. “I think as a community, we have to ask for better.” Residents are encouraged to attend a public safety committee meeting virtually on Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m.