Across the United States, school crossing guards play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of children as they navigate to and from school. While many crossing guards find their work fulfilling, a recent investigation conducted by the Associated Press (AP) and Cox Media Group Television Stations reveals that this job can also carry significant risks.
One of the most alarming findings from the investigation indicates a lack of systematic data on the number of crossing guards who sustain injuries or fatalities annually. The compiled database indicates that at least 230 crossing guards across 37 states and Washington, D.C., were struck by vehicles while on duty over the past decade, with nearly 30 losing their lives. This figure is likely an underrepresentation as it stems from incident reports requested from approximately 200 police departments.
Furthermore, the investigation highlights that drivers who hit crossing guards are seldom held criminally accountable, even in fatal accidents. Out of 183 incidents where the outcome was ascertainable, nearly half resulted in traffic citations, such as “failure to yield to a pedestrian.” A quarter of the drivers were not ticketed at all, while about 25% faced criminal charges, with police stating that each incident is assessed individually to determine the necessity of charges.
Data analysis from the AP reveals that the occupation of crossing guard ranks among the most hazardous professions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics categorizes school crossing guards under the same job classification as road construction flaggers, resulting in the absence of a specific fatality rate for this role. However, the AP’s own calculations show that crossing guards and flaggers are among the top fifth for death rates at work, comparable to power line installers and air transportation workers, based on labor records from 2023.
Only two states, New Jersey and Massachusetts, have made notable efforts to monitor the safety of crossing guards. Following distressing incidents that resulted in deaths, New Jersey officials have implemented ongoing safety inspections in school zones, resulting in numerous violations for noncompliance. In 2022, Massachusetts mandated that municipalities report any injuries sustained by crossing guards, further highlighting the need for accountability in this area.
According to experts, distractions from drivers and high-speed traffic are the primary contributors to accidents involving crossing guards. Additional safety issues arise from the design of modern SUVs and trucks, which have higher hoods that create significant blind spots, making crossing guards less visible. Moreover, many school zones lack essential traffic-calming measures like speed bumps or automated enforcement cameras, often prioritizing vehicular flow over pedestrian safety. Poor road designs result in inadequate sight lines and insufficient buffer zones around crosswalks.
The investigation also reveals demographic trends among crossing guards, with a significant proportion being senior citizens or retirees. Of the 160 crossing guards whose ages were documented, more than half are over 65 years old, raising concerns about their vulnerability in potentially dangerous environments.
This comprehensive investigation underscores the inherent dangers faced by school crossing guards and the urgent need for enhanced safety measures, better accountability for drivers, and proactive initiatives to protect these vital community members. As crossing guards remain a key element in ensuring student safety, addressing the risks associated with their role is imperative for fostering safer environments in school zones.
