New Jersey
Crossing Guard
Training
SAFE ROUTES TO
SCHOOL OVERVIEW
Goals of Safe Routes to School
1. Where it’s safe, get kids walking and biking.
2. WHERE IT’S NOT SAFE, MAKE IT SAFE.
Elements of SRTS programs
• Education
• Encouragement
• Enforcement
• Engineering
• Evaluation
SRTS Regional Coordinators
Regional Coordinators
Coordinators
provide:Provide:
 Visits to local communities & meetings with locals
 Assistance with School Travel Plans
 Assistance with walkability & bikeability assessments
 Assistance with SRTS events and activities
• Walk & bike to school events
• On-bike skills (bike rodeos)
• Safety assemblies
 Assistance with evaluation
• Help administering, collecting, and/or tabulating surveys
• Reporting to NJ SRTS Resource Center
NJ SRTS Resource Center
Website: SafeRoutesNJ.org
Leigh Ann Von Hagen, AICP/PP
lavh@ejb.rutgers.edu
Sean Meehan
smeehan@ejb.rutgers.edu
Catherine Bull
catherine.bull@ejb.rutgers.edu
New Jersey SRTS Help Desk
srts@ejb.rutgers.edu
INTRODUCTION
Why We Need Crossing Guards
Crossing Guard Safety
Goals of the Training Program
Primary Responsibilities
Shall, Should, May
Why We Need Crossing Guards
Children are encouraged to walk and bike to school, yet
they are vulnerable to both their own physical and cognitive
limitations and to hazardous road situations.
Why We Need Crossing Guards
Leading causes of injury-related
death for children ages 5 to 14
nationwide:
1. motor vehicle crashes
2. pedestrian injury
Shift from 1969 and 2009:
1969 48% walked or biked to school
12% driven to school
2009 13% walked or biked to school
44% driven to school
(U.S. DOT, 2009)
Why We Need Crossing Guards
• Until the age of 9 or 10, children lack the motor and
cognitive skills required to safely navigate traffic
situations.
• An estimated 30% of the time during which they are
operating motor vehicles, drivers are distracted by
activities such as cell phone use, texting, or eating. This
lack of focus can lead to driving errors.
Crossing Guard Safety
• In New Jersey, between 1993 and
2012, 15 crossing guards were killed
when struck by motor vehicles while
at work.
• NJMEL: school crossing guard has
become one of the more dangerous
occupations in municipal government.
• 65% increase in crashes involving
crossing guards between 1996 and
2006.
Crossing Guard Safety
Between 1993 and 2010
• 892 nonfatal occupational
injuries and illnesses
involving days away from
work
• 124 (14%) motor vehicle
related injuries
Nonfatal Occupational
Injuries
Motor
Vehicle
Related
Slips, trips
and falls
• 768 (86%) slip, trip & fall
injuries (Includes sprains,
strains, fractures, dog bites, etc.)
Source: NJ Dept of Labor & Workforce Development Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses
Crossing Guard Safety
Goals of the Training Program
The principal goal of the training program is to teach
candidate guards the procedures and techniques
necessary to safely cross student pedestrians.
Goals of the Training Program
Upon completion of the course, crossing guards will:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Understand the perspective of children in traffic
Understand the major types of pedestrian crashes
Understand the concept of being visible and noticeable
Know how to communicate effectively with motorists
Consistently use proper crossing techniques
Encourage proper crossing behavior by students
Deter students from committing unsafe acts
Recognize hazardous conditions and other problems and know the
proper reporting procedures
• Take proper actions in emergency situations
• Know the full extent of their responsibilities and limitations of their
authority
• Exhibit professionalism
Primary Responsibilities
The prime duty of school
crossing guards is to assist
children in crossing the street at
assigned times and locations.
• Crossing Guards should
provide safe crossings of the
roadways.
• Crossing guards should model
appropriate street skills and
behavior for child pedestrians.
Shall, Should, May
• Statements of practices that are considered required,
mandatory, or specifically prohibitive use the verb “shall”
or “must.”
• Statements of recommended, but not mandatory, practice
use the verb “should.”
• Statements of optional practice that carry no requirement
or recommendation use the verb “may.”
CHARACTERISTICS OF
YOUNG CHILDREN
Characteristics of Young Children
Physical and cognitive abilities of children differ from the
abilities of adults and may negatively affect crossing
behavior.
Children:
• narrower field of vision
• eye level is lower than
an adult
• view may be easily
blocked
© 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Characteristics of Young Children
• Smaller in stature, not as easily seen by drivers
• Believe “if I can see it – it can see me.”
Characteristics of Young Children
Children hear
differently –
they have difficulty
determining source or
direction of sounds
© 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Characteristics of Young Children
Children:
• cannot judge motor
vehicles speed &
distance
• lack of traffic
experience limits
ability to perceive
dangerous situations
© 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Characteristics of Young Children
Children:
• concentrate on one thing
at a time
• may not give street
crossing full attention
• will complete any motion
they start including
crossing the street
© 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Characteristics of Young Children
Children:
• can overestimate abilities
• are spontaneous & curious
• believe they can run faster
or change direction than
physically possible
Characteristics of Young Children
Children pattern actions after others, both good and bad
Characteristics of Young Children
• with education, children’s traffic skills can improve
• need assistance until they have gained competency
TRAFFIC LAWS AND
REGULATIONS
Stop and Stay Stopped
Yield to Pedestrians
Crosswalks
Pedestrians and Vehicles
Motor Vehicle Laws
School Zone
Pedestrian Laws
Bicyclist Laws
Stop and Stay Stopped
Motorists must stop and remain
stopped to allow a pedestrian to
cross the roadway within a
marked crosswalk, when the
pedestrian is upon, or within one
lane of, the half of the roadway
upon which the vehicle is
traveling or onto which it is
turning.
Yield to Pedestrian
Motorists must yield the
right-of-way to a pedestrian
crossing the roadway within
any unmarked crosswalk at
an intersection.
Exceptions:
• At crosswalks when the
movement of traffic is being
regulated by police officers
or traffic control signals, or
• Where otherwise regulated
by municipal, county, or
State regulation, and
• Where a pedestrian tunnel
or overhead pedestrian
crossing has been provided
Crosswalk Defined
Every
intersection has
a crosswalk
whether marked
or unmarked
NJSA 39:1-1
“Marked Crosswalk”
If not marked,
crosswalks are
continuations of the
sidewalks or curb/edge
of roadway across the
intersection.
Pedestrians and Vehicles
• Pedestrians shall not cross a roadway against the "stop" or
red signal at a crosswalk.
• No pedestrian shall walk into the path of a vehicle which is
so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield or stop.
• Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than
within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk
at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles
upon the roadway.
• A pedestrian crossing or starting across the intersection on a
“go” or green signal, and who is still within the crosswalk
when the signal changes, has the right of way until the
pedestrian has reached the opposite curb or place of safety.
NJSA 39:4-32
Pedestrians and Vehicles
• Whenever any vehicle is stopped to permit a pedestrian to
cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching
from the rear shall not overtake and pass such stopped vehicle.
• Nothing shall relieve a driver from the duty to exercise due care
for the safety of any pedestrian upon a roadway. Nothing shall
relieve a pedestrian from using due care for his safety.
• In the event of a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian
within a marked crosswalk, or at an unmarked crosswalk at an
intersection, there shall be a permissive inference that the
driver did not exercise due care for the safety of the pedestrian.
Pedestrians and Vehicles
Drivers making a right turn on red or at a “stop” sign must
stop and stay stopped for pedestrians crossing the road in
a marked or unmarked crosswalk into which the driver is
turning.
NJSA 39:4-115
Pedestrians and Vehicles
No driver shall turn right at a “stop” sign or “yield” sign
unless the driver stops and remains stopped for
pedestrians crossing the road in a marked or unmarked
crosswalk into which the driver is turning.
NJSA 39:4-144
Motor Vehicle Laws
Motorists must obey signals from the STOP paddle wielded
by school crossing guards. The STOP paddle is an official
sign under New Jersey law.
School Zone
Motorists must obey the posted speed limits and be
attentive and cautious when pedestrians are present, or
likely to be present, especially in school zones.
School Zone
The speed limit is 25 mph in a
school zone
• during recess,
• when children are clearly
visible from the roadway,
or
• while children are going to
or leaving school (during
opening or closing hours).
The only exception is when a
lower speed limit is posted.
School Zone
Bicycles, Scooters, Skateboards
Children on bicycles, scooters or
skateboards should:
• Dismount before crossing and
walk across street
o avoids conflicts among crossing
children
o allows guard and children to be more
attentive & react quickly to traffic
hazards
• Anyone under 17 who rides bikes
or wheeled sports equipment must
wear a helmet at all times.
(N.J.S.A. 39:4-10.1)
CROSSING
PROCEDURES
Directing Traffic?
Gap Assessment
Cone/Marker Placement
Standard Crossing Protocol
Proper Search Pattern
Preparing Students to Cross
Use of STOP Paddle
Difficult Situations
Courtesy Crossing of Adult Pedestrians
Directing Traffic?
• Crossing guards shall not direct traffic, but rather, they
shall choose opportune times to create sufficient gaps in
the traffic flow. At these times, they shall stand in the
roadway to indicate that pedestrians are about to use or
are using the crosswalk, and that all vehicular traffic must
stop (FHWA MUTCD 7D.05).
Gap Assessment
• Guards cross children by:
o identifying adequate gaps in traffic
o creating gaps by entering the
crosswalk with the STOP paddle
• Guards are placed at
intersections where there is
sufficient traffic to require the
creation of gaps.
• If forced to wait too long at a
crosswalk, children may
become impatient.
Gap Assessment
• You must be able to predict the vehicle stopping distance,
or the distance required for motorists
o to see you,
o to recognize the need to stop,
o to apply the brake in a reasonable manner, and
o to bring the vehicle to a halt.
• A marker on the roadway or roadside may help with
deciding when a gap is sufficient to stop traffic.
• Allow for greater vehicle stopping distances in rainy,
snowy and icy conditions.
Cone/Marker Placement
Speed Limit (mph) 15 20 25
Distance (ft)
30
35
40
46 73 102 140 183 234
• Assuming no significant grade, table shows cone/marker
placement distance based on vehicle speeds
• Distances are measured from nearest crosswalk line to
where cone is to be placed
• These distances hold for dry pavement and daylight
Cone/Marker Placement
Example: 25 mph
(actual speed, dry road conditions)
Clearly Marked Crosswalk
102’
Traffic
Cone/Sign or
Marker
Crossing
Guard
Standard Crossing Protocol
•
Start to cross only when
vehicle is on the far side of
the cone or marker
•
Begin by placing one foot off
curb between crosswalk lines
•
Signal to driver by extending
the STOP paddle and making
eye contact
•
Do not begin to cross in front
of vehicle unless driver is
clearly slowing to yield/stop
for you
Proper Search Pattern
Model and reinforce proper
crossing behavior:
• Pause at “traffic edges” beyond
which s/he might encounter
moving traffic
• Typically, traffic edges are curbs
• Where there are parked or
stopped vehicles, the traffic edge
would extend beyond the curb
• At each traffic edge, follow proper
search pattern
Proper Search Pattern
This search pattern needs to be performed each time a guard begins to cross
children. A guard is always the first person in the street and the last person out
of the street.
Left
Florida School Crossing Guard Training
Program
Right
Left
Midblock Crosswalk
Scan
Module -6 / Crossing Techniques
© 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Proper Search Pattern
Left
Right
Left
Over the Shoulder
Intersection Crosswalk
Florida School Crossing Guard Training
Program
Module
-6 / Crossing
Techniques
© 2010, the State
of Florida
Department
of Transportation
Proper Search Pattern
Hazardous driver behaviors that may occur
at a guarded crosswalk include:
• Speeding
• Driving through a crosswalk
• Stopping within a crosswalk
• Encroaching on a crosswalk when making a left turn at a green light
• Encroaching on a crosswalk when making a right turn on red
• Failure to yield to pedestrians in an unmarked crosswalk, or failure to
stop for pedestrians in a marked crosswalk
CROSSING GUARDS SHOULD EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED.
Preparing Students to Cross
Talk to the children about safe crossing techniques as they
are gathering and waiting to be crossed.
Remind them:
• To scan the street for vehicles.
• To continue looking while crossing the street until completely out of
the roadway.
• To wait at least one step back from the curb or roadway edge until
you have stopped traffic and signaled them to search and proceed.
• To walk directly across the street at a consistent pace.
• To walk bicycles and carry skateboards while crossing the street.
Preparing Students to Cross
• If there are no other
markers, mark a line with
tape to show children where
to stand.
• Monitor the children if
possible to see that they
scan for traffic. Praise those
who do and encourage
those who do not.
• Watch for students rushing
to join the group.
• Socialize with children while
they are on the sidewalk but
NOT in the crosswalk.
Use bumpy pad to show children where to stand
Use of STOP Paddle
1. When activating the crosswalk, raise the STOP paddle
and extend it in front of you so that it is clearly visible to
motorists.
© 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Use of STOP Paddle
2. Hold the paddle shoulder-high or
higher so that one side is displayed
to traffic approaching the crosswalk
on the near side of the street
(“near-side traffic”), and the other is
displayed to traffic approaching the
crosswalk on the far side of the
street (“far-side traffic”).
far side
near side
The paddle leads you into the
crosswalk. Look directly at nearside traffic and make sure that it
has stopped before proceeding into
the near side lane of travel.
© 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Use of STOP Paddle
3. Continuing to hold the paddle as described in Step 2,
look directly at far-side traffic, turning your head as
necessary as you approach the middle of the street.
far side
near side
© 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Use of STOP Paddle
4. The STOP paddle should be kept raised while you are in
the roadway. Do not switch the STOP paddle from one
hand to the other or wave it about while in the roadway.
© 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Difficult Situations
• If heavy traffic or other conditions make crossing
pedestrians difficult, notify your supervisor.
• Adjustments to crossing procedures may be required.
Assistance may be available from police officers who can
direct traffic.
• A consistently hazardous situation may require a traffic
study.
Courtesy Crossing of Adult Pedestrians
You may cross an adult pedestrian who requests
assistance if the crossing does not conflict with your
principal duty to cross student pedestrians.
TYPES OF
INTERSECTIONS
Unsignalized Intersections
Unsignalized Midblock Crosswalk
Signalized Intersections
Signalized Midblock Crosswalk
Four or More Lanes
Walking School Bus
School Safety Patrol
Unsignalized Intersections
1. Curbside assembly:
Stand on the curb or behind
the edge of the roadway on the
side of the street where
children approach. Keep
children at least one step back
from the curb or roadway
edge.
© 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Unsignalized Intersections
2. Select an opportune time:
Select an opportune time by referring to a visual cue.
"Activate” the crosswalk
by placing your foot in the
crosswalk or proceeding
to the edge of the shoulder
or lane line if there are
parked cars.
With STOP paddle
extended, wait for the near
side travel lane traffic to
stop before proceeding.
© 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Unsignalized Intersections
3. Enter the crosswalk:
• Enter closest travel lane after
near side traffic has stopped
for you while you are in a safe
roadway position.
• Continue to middle of
intersection with STOP paddle
extended.
• The raised STOP paddle
leads you to the middle of the
roadway. If using a whistle,
enter the roadway with whistle
in mouth.
Image: © 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Unsignalized Intersections
4. Stop far-side traffic:
As you approach the middle of the roadway, check that
the STOP paddle is clearly visible to far-side traffic,
including any turning traffic.
Image: © 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Unsignalized Intersections
5. Take position:
Take a position where you
can keep an eye on both
traffic and the children.
• Do not stand in the
crosswalk if possible.
• Continue to display the
STOP paddle to both
approaches
• Make a final check that
traffic on crosswalk
approaches has stopped.
Image: © 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Unsignalized Intersections
6. Initiate crossing:
Turn your head toward the waiting children and, making eye
contact, tell them to search and cross when the way is clear.
Remember:
• Use words to
instruct children
• Use hand signals
only for traffic
Image: © 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Unsignalized Intersections
7. Maintain position:
Ensure that no driver crosses the crosswalk before the
last child in the group has reached the opposite curb or
roadway edge.
Image: © 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Unsignalized Intersections
8. Return to the starting curb:
Remain alert for traffic and continue to display the STOP
paddle until you have left the roadway.
Image: © 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Unsignalized Midblock Crosswalk
Florida School Crossing Guard Training
Program
-6 / Crossing
Techniques
Image: © 2010, the Module
State of Florida
Department
of Transportation
Signalized Intersections
1. Curbside Assembly
Stand on the sidewalk or
edge of road on the side of
the street that students will
cross.
Image: © 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Signalized Intersections
2. Activate signal
As students gather, push the
“WALK” button if available.
Instruct the students to wait
one step back from the curb
or roadway edge until given
the signal to begin the
crossing process.
Image: © 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Signalized Intersections
3. Enter roadway
After completing the search
and determining that it is
safe to do so, enter the
street with a "fresh" green or
"WALK" signal and face the
intersection on the crosswalk
line nearest to the center of
the street.
Image: © 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Signalized Intersections
4. Ensure traffic is
stopped:
Walk toward the middle of
the street, alerting traffic on
all approaches (including
those that might make left or
right turns onto the
crosswalk) by holding STOP
paddle high
Image: © 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Signalized Intersections
5. Take position:
Position in the middle of the
street, just outside the
crosswalk on the side closest
to the intersection and face
traffic on that side, continuing
to display the STOP paddle
to both approaches. Make a
final check that traffic on both
approaches has stopped.
Image: © 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Signalized Intersections
6. Initiate crossing:
When the traffic stops, verbally
instruct the students to begin
their search (left, right, left and
over their shoulder for turning
traffic) and to cross when safe.
Instruct the students to
continue walking if the signal
changes to a flashing "Don't
Walk."
Image: © 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Signalized Intersections
7. Maintain position:
Wait with the STOP paddle
extended until the students
have finished crossing the
road.
Image: © 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Signalized Intersections
8. Return to the starting
curb:
Return to the edge of the
road or curb, lower the
STOP paddle, and allow
traffic to resume.
Image: © 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Signalized Intersections
Protected left turn intersections need special consideration and
evaluation by PD and engineers. You need to evaluate the
conditions to identify safest crossing procedures.
Florida School Crossing Guard Training
Program
This
slide recaps
the 8 steps of the
© 2010, the State of Florida
Department
of Transportation
crossing procedure
Signalized Midblock Crosswalk
Signalized midblock crosswalks often have a pedestrian
button and/or flashing yellow warning beacons
• Follow same steps as at a signalized intersection
• Be aware of the approach with the greater apparent risk
of traffic conflict
Four or More Lanes
• Two guards should be
assigned if possible
• One assigned to each traffic
stream
• The guard on the side on
which children approach
initiates crossing (on side
with children)
• Reverse roles in the
afternoon
Florida School Crossing Guard Training
Program
-6 / Crossing
Techniques
Image: © 2010, the Module
State of Florida
Department
of Transportation
Walking School Bus
• A group of children walking
to and from school with one
or more trained parent
volunteers or walking bus
“drivers”
• Guards maintain a friendly
but firm relationship with the
adult volunteers
• Guards are in charge and
all pedestrians must obey
your commands
School Student Safety Patrols
Be familiar with the school district’s policy on student safety patrols.
• Safety patrol members do not control vehicular traffic or place themselves in
the path of vehicular traffic.
• Members of the school safety patrol do:
o control and direct student traffic on school grounds, on sidewalks and
paths adjacent to a street or roadway.
o keep other students back from the street in a safe place.
o keep order in a group preparing to cross.
o watch for stragglers and latecomers.
o work in cooperation with the signals of the adult crossing guard.
• The adult crossing guard should:
o maintain a friendly but firm relationship with members of the school safety
patrol
o state requests clearly
o encourage members of the school safety patrol to wear their uniforms and
to behave appropriately
AAA Mid-Atlantic Foundation for Safety and Education, 2007. Safe Crossings Adult School Crossing Guard Training Program, Wilmington, DE.
CRASH TYPES
Intersection Turns
Vehicle Turn/Merge
Dart-Out/Dash
Multiple Threat/Trapped
Through Vehicle at Unsignalized Location
Through Vehicle at Signalized Location
Controlled Intersection
Image: © 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Vehicle Turn/Merge
• Almost always occur at intersections, including driveways
• Involve a driver who is turning into and merging with
traffic, and striking a pedestrian headed in a direction
different from the driver’s focus of attention
• Involve pedestrians of all ages.
Image: Federal Highway Administration
Dart-Out/Dash
• At an intersection, or mid-block, a pedestrian darts into
the street without scanning for traffic properly.
• Generally, these collisions occur in residential areas.
• Mid-block crossings account for 30% of all pedestrian
crashes.
Image: Federal Highway Administration
Dart-Out/Dash
• A pedestrian walks or runs into the road and is struck by a
motorist whose view was not obstructed.
• Often involves children ages 5 to 9 who are running
across the street.
Image: Federal Highway Administration
Multiple Threat/Trapped
• A pedestrian crossing a multi-lane road
• is allowed to cross by a driver in one lane
• is struck by a driver passing the stopped vehicle in the
other lane and traveling in the same direction.
Image: Federal Highway Administration
Through Vehicle at Unsignalized Location
• A pedestrian is struck at an unsignalized intersection or
midblock location.
•
• Either the motorist or the pedestrian may have failed to
yield.
Image: Federal Highway Administration
Through Vehicle at Signalized Location
A pedestrian is struck at a signalized intersection or
midblock location by a driver that is traveling straight
ahead.
Image: Federal Highway Administration
Crossing Duties & Expectations
Do
• Always review the proper
search pattern before crossing
• Maintain control & be alert
• Always use pedestrian traffic
signals if available
• Always be clear and concise
with your hand & verbal signals
Do not
• Do not assume that cars will stop
• Do not assume cars will remain
stopped
• Do not cross students if a vehicle
is stopped in the middle of the
crosswalk
• Establish eye contact
• Report dangerous vehicle
violations
• Report uncooperative students
to supervisor
Florida School Crossing Guard Training
Module -6 / Crossing Techniques
Program
Practicing Crossing
Procedures
New Jersey
Crossing Guard
Policy &
Procedures
ORIENTATION TO
AGENCY
Orientation to Agency
Scheduled Changes
Emergency Response Plans
Uniforms & Equipment
Expectations & Duties
Performance Review
Support of Crossing Guards
Orientation to Agency
All crossing guards:
• must be under the supervision and
direction of the chief of police or other chief
law enforcement officer for the municipality
(N.J.S.A. 40A:9-154.1)
• should be familiar with the departmental
chain of command
• should carry at their posts:
o name and phone number of the supervisor
o list of law enforcement/ emergency numbers
Orientation to Agency
Crossing guards may carry:
List of the school(s) to which students at the crossing guard
post are traveling:
• Phone numbers of school(s)
• Principals' names
• Hours that schools are in session
• Copy of the school calendar
Roster of crossing guards containing:
• Guards' names
• Guards' phone numbers
• Post location
• Time of post
Scheduled Changes
Supervisor shall notify crossing guards of:
• school schedule change
• half-day
• emergency closing
• special school function
• duties, responsibilities, and etiquette remain
the same as when on usual crossing guard
duty.
Emergency Response Plans
School or Municipality
Emergency Response Plan
• Supervisor may need to contact you
at your posts
o Keep contact information up to date
• In case of a municipal emergency
• In case of a school emergency
Uniforms and Equipment
N.J.S.A. 40A:9-154.3
Crossing guard shall be provided with a
uniform which shall identify his/her
function and which shall be distinct from
the uniform of a member of the regular
police department or force.
Such uniform shall include but not be
limited to:
• Safety vest, worn over all other clothing.
This vest shall be high-visibility
retroreflective safety apparel*
• Hat, and
• Breast and hat badges which shall bear
an identification number and the name
of the municipality in which the crossing
guard is employed.
*labeled as ANSI107-2004 standard performance for Class 2
(FHWA MUTCD Section 7D.04).
Uniform and Equipment
Present a Positive Public Image
Be professional in dress and conduct
The uniform:
• Increases visibility, thereby
improving job performance
• Helps to provide an air of
professionalism
• Establishes authority and
commands respect
Uniforms and Equipment
Always Use STOP Paddle
STOP paddles shall be used
by all adult crossing guards
and shall be the primary
hand-signaling device
FHWA MUTCD Section 7D.05
Uniforms and Equipment
Additional items and equipment determined by a
local agency may include:
• Whistle and lanyard
• Gloves, either white or retroreflective
• Raingear
• Spring/winter jacket
No umbrellas or other gear that might
interfere with the performance of duties
may be used
Uniforms and Equipment
Whistle use
• Whistles shall be used at all
times to signal drivers
or
• Whistles shall be used at the
discretion of the crossing guard
to signal drivers,
or
• Whistles shall be used only in
case of emergency
Whistle use should be consistent
among all crossing guards in a
municipality.
Image: © 2010, the State of Florida Department of
Transportation
Uniforms and Equipment
Whistle Use
• To direct traffic, with hand signal?
• 1 blast for Stop
• 2 blasts for Go
• To alert motorists ignoring the STOP paddle
• 1 long blast
• Several short blasts
• When stepping off the curb
Visible and Noticeable
• Be Visible –
• wear the retroreflective vest outside all
other clothing
• hold the STOP paddle
• Be Noticeable –
• adopt clear & precise behaviors
• step into the street, hold the STOP sign &
extend the other arm
• make eye contact with motorists
• Be Consistent –
• variations may cause confusion
Expectations and Duties
Be Professional while on duty:
•
Don’t smoke or use tobacco products, eat, drink, chew
gum, or be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
•
Don’t use a personal cell phone or other electronic
device unless necessary to report an emergency.
•
Don’t read or listen to music.
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Don’t engage drivers in conversation.
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Don’t use profanity.
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Don’t touch children or allow children to sit in your car.
Be an authority figure. Teach through example.
Expectations and Duties
No Idling
Idling for more than
3 minutes is
PROHIBITED in NJ
(with limited exceptions)
NJAC 7:27-14.3 and NJAC 7:27-15.8
Expectations and Duties
Never sit in your car
or chair at your post
Standing at post:
• Ensures that drivers and
pedestrians know a guard is
present
• Allows for quick reaction to
unexpected events
Expectations and Duties
• Be on time. Call out sick well before you are due at the
post.
• Remain standing at post during hours of duty.
• Be firm, courteous, and pleasant with children and
adults.
• Leave post at end of shift, unless child pedestrians are
approaching the crosswalk.
HAZARDS, INCIDENTS,
EMERGENCIES
Post Review
Hazards
Hazardous Conditions Reporting
Hazardous Weather
Traffic Incident Reporting
Emergencies
Post Review
Inspect area posts every
day to:
• identify hazards
• be familiar with school
zone signs and
markings, traffic
control devices,
pedestrian signs and
signals
Post Review
• Are sight lines clear for the
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guard, pedestrians, and drivers?
Are crosswalks clearly marked
with signs and pavement paint?
Are curbs streets are free of trip
hazards?
Are signs and lights in good
condition?
Are cones and/or signs available
if necessary to restrict parking?
Are there other issues in vicinity
– construction, emergency
vehicles, suspicious persons?
Hazards
Sight obstructions include
but are not limited to:
• parked cars
• bushes or low-hanging
tree branches
• signal controller boxes
• signs
• mail boxes
• benches
• trash cans
• snow banks
Hazards
Park your vehicle in a safe and legal place where it will not
obstruct your view of traffic or motorists’ view of you, or force
pedestrians to walk in an unsafe location.
Never Park: (N.J.S.A. 39:4-138)
• on a crosswalk
• on a sidewalk
• within 25 feet of crosswalk
• within 50 feet of a STOP sign
Hazards
Hazards which can force
pedestrians to walk in an unsafe
location include, but are not limited
to:
• standing water, mud, ice or snow
on the sidewalk or curb ramp
• broken pavement
• open drainage grates
• overgrown plants
• construction debris
• loose dogs
• lack of sidewalks
• parents loading or unloading
vehicles
• vehicles parked across driveways
or in crosswalks
Hazards
Other hazards
• speeding motorists
• inattentive motorists
• suspicious activity
Eyes on the street
• be aware of neighborhood
issues
• report potential problems
• document date, time, &
details of the problem for
future reference
• note who was notified &
when
Hazardous Conditions Reporting
Crossing guards:
• report potential hazards to supervisor or agency
Supervisor:
• follow up on reported issues and
• inform crossing guard of outcome
Supervisor may need to:
• communicate with other municipal departments including public
works, engineering or planning
• coordinate with county or state agencies if the hazard involves a
county or state road
Prioritization of crossing guard posts for maintenance and repair
will improve conditions for crossing guards and pedestrians.
Hazardous Weather
Rain, fog, sleet, hail, and snow:
• reduce visibility for both drivers &
pedestrians
• roads can quickly become slippery
• crosswalk striping may be slippery
• stopping distances increase
• children may run to shelter
• lightning storms - dangerous & can
disrupt operation of traffic signals
Hazardous Weather
Rain, fog, sleet, hail, and snow:
• leads to increases in school drop-off and pick-up traffic
• plowed snow can:
o block curb ramps
o cause water and slush to accumulate
o reduce sight lines for motorists
• sun glare can impair drivers’
ability to see, particularly in the
winter months when the sun is low
in the sky
Hazardous Weather
Dress appropriately for the weather
Wear:
• boots that provide traction for snow & ice
• no sandals or flip-flops
• brimmed hat helps to keep rain, snow,
and sun out of eyes or off glasses, hats
may need to be tied on windy days.
• STOP paddles with a long handle may
provide stability in wind, ice and snow
Hazardous Weather
In adverse weather, take extra
precautions:
• ensure that all traffic is stopped
before you step into the road
• plan an escape route in case
you are threatened by vehicles
• wear the retroreflective vest on
the outside of all clothing
• no umbrellas
Traffic Incident Reporting
You may observe infractions that can endanger yourself and
others
• carry a pen and notepad
• record a description of the vehicle and driver/other person
• report infraction to supervisor after shift ends unless it is
an emergency
• do not disrupt crossing of children
Vehicle Information:
• Color, body style, size model of car
• License plate number
• Features of the driver
• Time and day of incident
Reporting persons:
• Sex
• Race
• Age
• Clothing description
• Hair color
• Height, weight, body build
• Direction of travel
Traffic Incident Reporting
Problem Posts
Numerous offenses may
require a traffic safety
officer to:
• monitor the intersection
• conduct a crosswalk sting
• set up a speed check
Emergencies
• vehicle crashes
• crashes involving vehicles and
pedestrians or bicyclists
• sudden illness of pedestrians or
motorists
• injury of pedestrians or bicyclists
Only care for the injured if you are trained to do so:
• first protect yourself and the children
• do not attempt to help if you are injured
• try to prevent additional damage or injury
• contact authorities
Image: © 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation
Emergencies
In an emergency you should:
• Remain at the post with the children. Group children
to maintain control.
• Stop crossing the children until the situation is under
control.
• If possible, call 911. If not, ask others to call 911.
• If a victim can walk, he or she should move out of the
road. Otherwise, a victim should not be moved except
by qualified emergency medical personnel.
• Always notify your supervisor as soon as possible of
any emergency.
HIRING, TRAINING AND
RETRAINING
Model Municipal Policy
Hiring
Duties
Training and Retraining
Placement
Crossing Guard Appreciation
Model Municipal Crossing Guard Policy
• Guide for New Jersey municipalities, covers:
• Hiring
• Uniforms
• Training
• Performance review
• Reporting incidents
• Available at http://www.saferoutesnj.org/crossingguards
Hiring
N.J.S.A. 40A:9-154.1
• Crossing guards must be supervised by the chief of police
or other chief law enforcement officer of a municipality.
• A candidate must possess the following qualifications:
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Is a citizen and resident of this State;
Is sound in body and of good health;
Is of good moral character; and
Has not been convicted of any criminal offence
involving moral turpitude.
• Crossing guards are hired for terms not exceeding one
year.
Hiring
FHWA minimum qualifications (MUTCD Section 7D.03)
Should possess:
• Average intelligence;
• Good physical condition, including sight, hearing, and ability to move and
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maneuver quickly in order to avoid danger from errant vehicles;
Ability to control a STOP paddle effectively to provide approaching road
users with a clear, fully direct view of the paddle’s STOP message during
the entire crossing movement;
Ability to communicate specific instructions clearly, firmly, and courteously;
Ability to recognize potentially dangerous traffic situations and warn and
manage students in sufficient time to avoid injury;
Mental alertness;
Neat appearance;
Good character;
Dependability; and
An overall sense of responsibility for the safety of the students
Hiring
• Criminal Background Check
• Medical Examination – standards for conduct of job
duties:
o Ability to stand for one to two hours at a time
o Ability to lift and hold in position a STOP paddle weighing approximately
one pound while holding the opposite hand in an upright, raised position
o Ability to walk, unassisted, across the street numerous times
o Ability to raise both feet to step over a curb
o Ability to work in adverse weather conditions
• Crossing guards must meet requirements for vision and
hearing
Hiring
A physical examination should:
• check mobility, blood pressure, vision, and hearing.
• be repeated as follows:
o Up to age 39: every five years
o From 40 to 49: every two years
o 50 +: every year
• be conducted in a clinical setting by a physician with
experience examining job applicants and provided with a
job description listing the physical requirements of the
position
New Jersey Municipal Excess Liability Joint Insurance Fund
Hiring
• If abnormalities or deficiencies are identified, the
candidate is not qualified for the position.
• Candidate not meeting the standards may be referred to a
specialist who must be provided with the results of the
first examination and the standards that are to be met.
• Until the specialist report is received, the candidate
should not be permitted to serve as a crossing guard.
• If the specialist report confirms the earlier testing
outcomes, the candidate is not qualified to serve as a
crossing guard.
New Jersey Municipal Excess Liability Joint Insurance Fund
Training and Retraining
Classroom Training
• 2 hours required (N.J.S.A. 40A:9-154.2)
Practical training to practice crossing techniques and procedures
• Use simulated crosswalk or actual crosswalk
• Adopt roles of student pedestrians, crossing guards, and drivers
• Practice procedures for all intersection types
• Practice responses to incidents and emergencies
Training and Retraining
Field Review of Skills
Required 20 hours (N.J.S.A. 40A:9-154.2)of supervised
field training including:
• Observation of an experienced guard, followed by
• Supervised practice of crossing procedures
o at assigned post
o at multiple posts - particularly for training substitute
guards
Crossing Guard Focus Groups
Comments on Training
• Video shown does not include
illustrations applicable to their corners
and situations
• Situations may have changed since
long-time guards were first employed
• Important to rotate posts during field
training
• Retraining – need more information
than just review of the video each year
• Need field retraining
• Interested in receiving copies of
municipal policies
• Lack knowledge of reporting
procedures
Placement
• Gap assessment
• Age of students
• Road conditions (width,
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number of lanes)
Sight distance
Traffic control devices
Vehicle speed
Vehicle volumes
Pedestrian volumes
Crash history
Distance from school
Traffic survey
Coming Soon
New Jersey
School Zone
Design Guide
Post Observation Report
CROSSING GUARD POST OBSERVATION REPORT
Observer:
Post:
Date:
Conditions Observed
Yes
No
N/A
Conditions
Advance warning and traffic calming devices are in
accordance with the MUTCD 2009 edition
Advance warning and traffic calming devices and
lights are in good condition, effective, and sufficient
Crosswalks are clearly identified with signs and
pavement paint
Curbs and crosswalks are clear of significant trip
hazards
Sight lines are adequate to allow guards and
drivers to see each other
Guards’ personal vehicles can be parked in a safe
location
Cones and signs are available if necessary to
restrict parking
Uniforms and other equipment inspected and in
good condition and used appropriately
Notes
Performance Review
Job Feedback:
• Performance checklist
o New guards –
observe several times during
the school year
o Experienced guards –
observed at least once during
the school year
• If necessary, will work with
you on improving your
crossing skills
Performance Review
• Observed or reported inappropriate behavior may be
addressed by issuance of a warning followed by retraining
• Discipline and dismissal - in response to continued
complaints and further observation of inappropriate
behavior, the following steps may be followed as deemed
appropriate by the department:
o Written warning
o Hearing before the chief of police or other chief law enforcement
officer
o Revocation of appointment for cause
Support of Crossing Guards
• Partners: As partners with the police, guards must have
have the support of the department
• Be Professional: Crossing guards are representatives of
the police force and should dress and act appropriately
• Report Issues:
o report information to supervisor (written preferred)
o you will receive response in a timely manner
o attempts will be made to remedy issues
o please remind your supervisor as needed
Crossing Guard Appreciation
Public acknowledgment of
crossing guards raises
awareness in the community
• Crossing Guard Appreciation
Day during the school year
• “School Crossing Guard of the
Year” award
Crossing Guard Appreciation
Crossing guards are
part of a child’s
community
Students can participate in
Crossing Guard
Appreciation activities
Thank You!
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NJ Department of Transportation
NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety
Federal Highway Administration
AAA
New Jersey Municipal Excess Liability
Joint Insurance Fund (NJ MEL)
NJ Department of Health, Division of
Occupational Safety & Health (OSHA)
NJ Highway Traffic Safety Police
Advisory Council (HTSPAC)
NJ Police Traffic Officers Association
(NJPTOA)
County and regional police academies