New Signs, Strict Traffic Enforcement Roll Out As Brick Responds To Boy's Death

BRICK, NJ — Brick Township police began rolling out changes on Wednesday in response to concerns from families about persistent speeding along Lanes Mill Road following the death of Brick Memorial freshman Jackson Mueller.

New pedestrian crossing signs have been put up, parents told Patch Wednesday afternoon, less than 24 hours after the Township Council meeting where parents begged for help.

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Acting Police Chief Henry Drew told residents Tuesday night that he had ordered increased patrols in school zones to start to address te the problem.

On Wednesday afternoon, the police department issued a statement on Facebook detailing what residents should expect to see as enforcement of traffic laws tightens.

"Over the coming days and weeks, officers will be actively saturating school zones throughout the township," the department's post said. "Increased enforcement will include strict attention to speed violations, distracted driving, and any behavior that puts pedestrians at risk."

"Tickets will be issued to drivers who fail to obey posted school zone regulations. This is not just about enforcement—it is about prevention," the department said.

"School zones are active, high-risk areas where children, parents, and crossing guards are present—often during busy morning arrival and afternoon dismissal times," the department said. "Even a moment of distraction or driving above the posted speed limit can have devastating consequences."

Jackson Mueller, 15, was hit on Lanes Mill Road May 19 as he crossed in a crosswalk at Rhode Island Avenue on his bicycle on his way to school at Brick Memorial High School. The 17-year-old driver who hit him has been charged with knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death.

"You'll see more officers out there," Drew had promised residents on Tuesday night. "We will find a way to make it better."

The police department statement Wednesday emphasized that drivers have a responsibility to drive safely.

"We ask all motorists to:

• Slow down and obey posted school zone speed limits
• Eliminate distractions while driving
• Be prepared to stop for crossing guards and pedestrians
• Allow extra travel time during school hours."

"One careless decision behind the wheel can change lives forever," the statement said. "Please drive like children’s lives depend on it — because they do."