Road and pedestrian safety is a shared venture. Crossing guards risk their lives on the road to ensure children can get to school safely, and encounters like the one reported in the Ottawa Sun (Close call has crossing guard fuming) help give us a healthy respect for our guards and what they do each day.
Here are a few tips on how we can help ensure everyone feels safe on the road:
Motorist Responsibilities:
Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, Section 176 states:
(3) Where a school crossing guard displays a school crossing stop sign as provided in subsection (2), the driver of any vehicle or street car approaching the school crossing guard shall stop before reaching the crossing and shall remain stopped until all persons, including the school crossing guard, have cleared the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle or street car is travelling and it is safe to proceed. 2005, c. 26, Sched. A, s. 29 (1).
(5.1) Every person who contravenes subsection (3) is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not less than $150 and not more than $500. 2005, c. 26, Sched. A, s. 29 (2).
School Responsibilities:
A good rapport with the school is essential for ensuring a safe and effective program. We encourage our crossing guards to advise the School Administrator of discipline issues with the children if they are encountered in the course of their duties.
Parent/Caregiver Responsibilities:
You are your child’s first teacher. Modeling safe crossing techniques is important to ensure their safety when they become old enough to cross the street on their own. Review with children the rules for safe crossing and encourage them to be respectful of Adult Crossing Guards who are there to help them cross safely.
Community support is what makes the Adult Crossing Guard Program successful. With your cooperation, we can create a safer and healthier environment for area students on their walk to and from school!