new jersey crossing guard training. introduction why we need crossing guards goals of the training...

New Jersey Crossing Guard

Training

INTRODUCTIONWhy We Need Crossing Guards

Goals of the Training Program

Primary Responsibilities

Duties

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.


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)


• 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.


The principal goal of the training program is to teach candidate guards the procedures and techniques necessary to safely cross student pedestrians.


Upon completion of the course, you 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

Crossing Guards:

• Provide safe crossings of the roadways.

• Model correct 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

Children: • narrower field of vision • eye level is lower than

an adult • view may be easily

blocked

Physical and cognitive abilities of children differ from the abilities of adults and may negatively affect crossing behavior.

© 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation


• Smaller in stature, not as easily seen by drivers

• Believe “if I can see it – it can see me.”


Children hear differently –

difficulty determining source or direction of sounds



Children:• cannot judge motor

vehicles speed & distance

• lack of traffic experience limits ability to perceive dangerous situations



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



Children:• can overestimate abilities

• are spontaneous & curious

• believe they can run faster or change direction than physically possible


Children pattern actions after others, both good and bad


• with education, children’s traffic skills can improve

• need assistance until they have gained competency

TRAFFIC LAWS AND REGULATIONSLaws, Regulations, Policies

Stop and Stay Stopped

Yield to Pedestrians

Crosswalks

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 PedestrianMotorists 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

If not marked, crosswalks are continuations of the sidewalks or curb/edge of roadway across the intersection.

“Marked Crosswalk”

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


• 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.

NJSA 39:4-32


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 VehiclesNo 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.

NJSA 39:1-1

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.

NJSA 39:4-98

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.

NJSA 39:4-98

School Zone

Bicycles, Scooters, Skateboards

Children on bicycles, scooters or skateboards should:

• Dismount before crossing and walk across street o avoids conflicts among crossing childreno 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.

(NJSA 39:4-10.1)

CROSSING PROCEDURESDirecting 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 (for example, cone, signage, pole, etc.) may help with deciding when a gap is sufficient to stop traffic.

• Allow for greater vehicle stopping distances in rainy, snowy, wet and icy conditions.


Speed Limit (mph) 15 20 25 30 35 40

Distance (ft) 46 73 102 140 183 234

• Assuming no significant hills, this table shows where to place a cone or marker based on vehicle speeds

• Distances are measured from nearest crosswalk line to where the marker is to be placed

• These distances hold for dry pavement and daylight

Traffic Cone/Sign or Marker

Clearly Marked Crosswalk

102’

Example: 25 mph (actual speed, dry road conditions)

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


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

Florida School Crossing Guard Training Program

Module -6 / Crossing Techniques


Left Right Left Scan

Midblock Crosswalk

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 Right Left Over the Shoulder

Intersection Crosswalk



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 CrossTalk 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 Paddle1. When activating the crosswalk, raise the STOP paddle and extend it in front of you so that it is clearly visible to motorists.


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”).

The paddle leads you into the crosswalk. Look directly at near-side traffic and make sure that it has stopped before proceeding into the near side lane of travel.

near side

far side


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.

near side

far side


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.


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 INTERSECTIONSUnsignalized 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.


Unsignalized Intersections2. Select an opportune time:

Selecting an opportune time may be accomplished by referencing 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


Unsignalized Intersections3. 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.


Unsignalized Intersections4. 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.



5. Take position:

Take a position where you can keep an eye on both traffic and the children.

• Do not stand in the crosswalk

• Continue to display the STOP paddle to both approaches

• Make a final check that traffic on crosswalk approaches has stopped. © 2010, the State of Florida Department of Transportation


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 STOP hand signal only for traffic


Unsignalized Intersections7. Maintain position:

Ensure that no driver crosses the crosswalk before the last child in the group has reached the opposite curb or roadway edge.


Unsignalized Intersections8. Return to the starting curb:

Remain alert for traffic and continue to display the STOP paddle until you have left the roadway.




Unsignalized Midblock Crosswalk



1. Curbside Assembly

Stand on the sidewalk or edge of road on the side of the street that students will cross.



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.



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.



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



5. Take position:Position in the middle of the street, just outside the crosswalk on the side closest to the intersection, continuing to display the STOP paddle to both approaches. Make a final check that traffic on both approaches has stopped.



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."



7. Maintain position:

Wait with the STOP paddle extended until the students have finished crossing the road.



8. Return to the starting curb:

Return to the edge of the road or curb, lower the STOP paddle, and allow traffic to resume.




Signalized IntersectionsIntersections with a dedicated left-turn arrow need special consideration and evaluation by police and engineers. You need to evaluate the conditions to identify safest crossing procedures.


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


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 PatrolsBe 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 patrolo state requests clearlyo encourage members of the school safety patrol to wear their uniforms and to

behave appropriately

Source: AAA Mid-Atlantic Foundation for Safety and Education

CRASH TYPESIntersection TurnsVehicle Turn/MergeDart-Out/DashMultiple Threat/TrappedThrough Vehicle at Unsignalized LocationThrough Vehicle at Signalized Location

76

Controlled Intersection


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.

Source: 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.


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.


Multiple Threat/TrappedA 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.


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.


Through Vehicle at Signalized Location

A pedestrian is struck at a signalized intersection or midblock location by a driver that is traveling straight ahead.



• 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

• Establish eye contact

• Report dangerous vehicle violations

• Report uncooperative students to supervisor

• 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

Crossing Duties & ExpectationsDo Do not

Practicing Crossing Procedures

JOB PERFORMANCEUniform and Equipment

Visible and Noticeable

Expectations and Duties

Uniform and EquipmentPresent 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

Uniform and Equipment

Always wear the Safety Vest

•High-visibility, retro-reflective• Worn outside all other clothing

(N.J.S.A. 40A:9-154.3 )

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 provided 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 EquipmentWhistle 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

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 DutiesBe professional while on duty:

• Do not smoke or use tobacco products, eat, drink, chew gum, or be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Do not use a personal cell phone or other electronic device unless necessary to report an emergency.

• Do not read or listen to music.

• Do not engage drivers in conversation.

• Do not use profanity.

• Do not touch children or allow children to sit in your car.

Be an authority figure. Teach by example.

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.


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)


Do not sit in your carat your post

Standing at post:• Ensures that drivers and

pedestrians know a guard is present

• Allows for quick reaction to unexpected events

HAZARDS, INCIDENTS, EMERGENCIESPost Review

Hazards

Hazardous Conditions Reporting

Hazardous Weather

Traffic Incident Reporting

Emergencies

Post Review

Inspect area of post every day to:

• identify hazards• be familiar with school

zone signs and markings, traffic control devices, pedestrian signs and signals

Post Review

• Sight lines are clear for the guard, pedestrians, and drivers

• Crosswalks are clearly marked with signs and pavement paint

• Curbs and streets are free of trip hazards

• Signs and lights are in good condition

• Cones and/or signs available if necessary to restrict parking

• Other issues in vicinity – for example, construction, emergency vehicles, suspicious persons

HazardsSight 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

HazardsPark 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 a crosswalk• within 50 feet of a STOP sign

25 feet

HazardsHazards 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

You are the 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 WeatherRain, 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 WeatherRain, fog, sleet, hail, and snow: • increased school drop-off and pick-up traffic• plowed snow can:

o block curb rampso cause water and slush to accumulateo 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

• brimmed hat helps to keep rain, snow, and sun out of eyes or off glasses, hats may need to be tied on windy days.

• no sandals or flip-flops

• STOP paddles with a long handle may provide stability in wind, ice and snow

Hazardous WeatherIn 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 retro-reflective vest on the outside of all clothing

• no umbrellas

Traffic Incident Reporting

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

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

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


EmergenciesIn 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.

Questions?

Thank You!

• 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

new jersey crossing guard training. introduction why we need crossing guards goals of the training...

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