PARSIPPANY — Pulkit Desai spent Friday morning alongside crossing guard Michael D’Alessandro at the busy intersection of Littleton Road and Rita Drive, gaining firsthand insight into the daily challenges faced by crossing guards protecting students near Parsippany Hills High School.
The intersection serves as a major access point to the high school and experiences heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic during morning arrival hours.
Standing alongside D’Alessandro during the morning commute, Mayor Desai observed numerous traffic safety concerns, including motorists failing to obey traffic lights and posted signs, speeding through the intersection, and showing what he described as “a total disregard for safety.”
Desai said the experience gave him a new appreciation for the difficult job crossing guards perform each day while managing impatient drivers and ensuring students safely cross one of the township’s busiest roadways.
The mayor also praised D’Alessandro for the relationship he has built with students over the years.
“You know who was exemplary in addition to Michael? The kids,” Desai said. “They listened to him, they were friendly and respectful, and Michael knew many of them by name. It was clear they trusted and respected him.”
Desai noted that D’Alessandro remained calm, alert, and attentive throughout the morning rush despite the constant traffic flow and unpredictable driver behavior.
He also reflected on the dedication required to perform the job in all types of weather conditions.
“Michael loves his job and does it in rain, snow and extreme cold,” Desai said. “I was fortunate to spend the morning there on a nice day, but I will not forget what our crossing guards deal with during bad weather. This was truly an eye-opening experience.”
Following the visit, Desai said the township needs to examine additional traffic safety improvements near schools and heavily traveled intersections.
“We do need to improve signage, street markings and effective traffic light placement,” Desai said. “I will be looking into this ASAP.”
The visit highlighted the important role crossing guards like Michael D’Alessandro play each day in protecting Parsippany students and maintaining safety around local schools.
