The New Jersey Department of Education is using the start of the school year to highlight two everyday safety issues affecting students across the state: staying safe around trains and traveling safely in vehicles.
In its September 23 weekly broadcast, NJDOE highlighted NJ TRANSIT’s free safety education program, which is available to schools and youth organizations statewide. The department has also reminded families about proper car-seat, booster-seat and seat-belt use during Child Passenger Safety Week.
Free NJ TRANSIT Safety Programs for Students
NJ TRANSIT’s Safety Education Program provides free, age-appropriate instruction for students from kindergarten through high school.
The statewide program covers rail, light-rail, school-bus and pedestrian safety and is designed to teach students practical habits they can use around stations, tracks, crossings and other transportation environments.
Programs include interactive presentations using videos, activities, visual materials and real-life scenarios. Among the lessons are reminders not to trespass on railroad property, to obey warning signs and signals, remain alert near tracks and stay behind the yellow line while waiting on platforms.
The presentations are free and generally last about 45 minutes. They are available not only to K–12 schools but also to youth groups, libraries, PTAs, day camps and other community organizations.
For the 2026–2027 school year, NJ TRANSIT has also introduced expanded partnerships with schools located near rail lines. Participating schools can receive two safety presentations during the year, along with collaborative Safety Week activities.
The education effort comes as NJ TRANSIT marks Rail Safety Week, reminding passengers and pedestrians of a simple message: when you see tracks, think train.
NJDOE Also Reminds Families About Car-Seat Safety
Student transportation safety does not end when children leave a train station or school bus.
During Child Passenger Safety Week, NJDOE also reminded parents and caregivers that properly installed car seats, booster seats and correctly used seat belts are essential for keeping children safe in vehicles.
The department encouraged families to buckle up and double-check every time, including making sure children are using the appropriate restraint system for their age and size.
While the two campaigns focus on different forms of transportation, they share the same message: many serious injuries can be prevented through simple safety habits practiced consistently.
Safety Beyond the Classroom
NJ TRANSIT says its educational programs are available year-round and are designed not only for students but for the wider community as well.
The agency provides safety presentations for libraries, senior centers, community events and parent organizations, reflecting the idea that transportation safety is a responsibility shared by passengers, pedestrians, drivers, families and schools.
For New Jersey families, the message this week is straightforward: stay alert near trains, follow transportation rules, and make sure every child is properly secured before the car begins moving.
Tags: New Jersey, NJDOE, NJ TRANSIT, Rail Safety, Child Passenger Safety Week, Car Seats, Booster Seats, Seat Belts, Student Safety, School Safety
Sources: New Jersey Department of Education; NJ TRANSIT Safety Education Program; NJ TRANSIT.
By NJ RADAR Team