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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOB 3 PEDES XWALKS 01-16-89 ..... '~"~" "' OLD BUSINESS DATE: JANUAA¥ 10, 1989 \~a,~%~' I TO: FROM: WILLIAM HUSTON, CITY MANAGER PUBLIC WOR~S DEPARTMENT/ENGINEERING DIVISION SUBJECT: PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS ON ARTERIAL HIGHWAYS RECOMMENDATION: That the Tustin City Council at their meeting of January 16, 1989 approve the installation of two flashing yellow beacons and overhead school signs at Yorba Street and Amaganset Way and at Prospect Avenue and Beneta Way, and authorize a supplemental budget appropriation for 1988-89 in the amount of $28,000 for said installation. BACKGROUND: · In October 1988, a citizen raised a concern over the safety of school children crossing the arterial roadways of Yorba Street and Prospect Avenue at designated crosswalks. At that time it was suggested that the City utilize "safety zones" similar to what the State of Arizona employs at school crossings. A copy of the initial staff report is attached for the City Council's reference. in November 1988, the City Council returned this item to staff requesting more information on the State of Arizona crosswalk program and on the City's crossing guard uniform program. The Police Department will be responding on the City's current crossing'guard uniform program under a separate report. DISCUSSION: Staff had requested and has received a copy of the school crosswalk criteria from the City of Phoenix, Arizona. Copies of the application procedure, crosswalk criteria, and Arizona school crossing warrants are attached for information. The main difference between the Phoenix program and the Tustin program is that the Phoenix School District operates the crossing guard program under application from the City, while Tustin operates the crossing guard program for the Tustin School District. The Arizona statutes provide for the following crosswalk guidelines: 1. Yellow marking of the school crosswalk. 2. Yellow marking of the centerline of the roadway. 3. Erection of portable signs indicating that vehicles must stop when persons are in the crosswalk and that school is in session. 4. "School in Session" signs are placed no more than three hundred feet in advance of each side of the crosswalk. 5. "Stop When Children in Crosswalk" signs are placed at the crosswalk. 6. Signs are only put in place when the crossing guard is on duty. 7. No vehicle shall proceed at a speed exceeding 15 MPH when approaching the crosswalk while between the portable signs. PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS ON ARTERIAL HIGHWAYS JANUARY 10, 1989 PAGE 2. Appendix A of the City of Phoenix criteria outlines the type and placement of signs. Figure 15 (page 28) of Appendix A pertains to the type of roadway for both Yorba Street and Prospect Avenue (a multi-lane two-way roadway). Staff's major concerns of the Arizona program is' the placement of a portable sign within the traveled roadway which could be hit by a vehicle and projected into the crossing guard and school children, and second, the potential liability to the City for installing such signs and other traffic control devices from another State jurisdiction and are not proven or accepted within the State of California. In lieu of the suggested State of Arizona facilities, staff is suggesting the installation of two flashing yellow beacons and overhead school signs mounted on a standard with a mast arm as delineated on the attached exhibit. It is proposed that the beacons would only flash on during the hours of, when the children are going to and from school and during school hours. The estimated cost for each crosswalk installation is $14,000. It ~is suggested that an installation be made at each intersection of Yorba Street and Amaganseto Way and Prospect Avenue and Beneta Way at a total estimated cost of $28,000. 'Eob Le-dehdecker Director of Public Works/City Engineer BL:mv TO: FROM: WILLIAM HUSTON, CITY MANAGER PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT/ENGINEERING DIviSION SUBJECT: PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS ON ARTERIAL HIGHWAYS R~C0MMq~NDATION: ' Pleasure of the City Council. BACKGROUND: At the October 3, 1988 City Council meeting, a citizen raised a concern over the safety of school children crossing arterial roadways of Yorba Street and Prospect Avenue at designated crosswalks. It was suggested by this citizen that the City utilize "safety zones" similar to what the State of Arizona employs at school crossings. This item was referred to Staff for further review- DISCUSSION: .. The safety zones utilized by the State of Arizona are located 100-feet in advance'of each crosswalk with signs reading "School Zone, 15 MPH" and "No Passing". These signs are usually a portable type sign and are put into position by the crossing guard assigned at that particular location. The City's Consultant Traffic Engineer has r~viewed the Arizona safety zone program and does not recommend the use of ~such signs/zones for the City of Tustin or for any other city in California. The reason for this recommendation is that such devices do not conform to school safety standards already developed by the State of C~lifornia. The placement of these non-standard controls would not be supportable under current California guidelines and most likely would create more problems than they would solve, particularly since most California drivers would probably ignore them. The State of California guidelines provide for the installation of flashing yellow beacons at school crosswalks when the following conditions/warrants are met: 1. The uncontrolled school crossing is on the "suggested" route to schOol;.and 2. At least 40 school pedestrians use the crossing during each of any two hours (not necessarily consecutive) of a normal school day; and 3. The crossing is at least 600 feet from the nearest alternate crossing controlled by traffic signals, stop signs, or crossing guards;.and 4. The vehi-~ular Volume through the crossing exceeds 200 vehicles per hour in urban areas, or 140 vehicles per hour in rural areas during the same hours the students are going to and from school for any purpose; and . . PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS ON ARTERIAL HIGHWAYS NOVEMBER 1, 1988 P~GE 2. · The critical approach speed (85 percentilel exceeds 35 MPH or the approach visibility is less than the stopping distance. A copy of the standard drawings for the flashing beacons is attached for the City Council's information. As indicated, there are two types of these flashing beacons, the post-mounted type and mast arm overhead type o Staff has' not completed a warrant study for either location on Yorba Street (at Amaganset Way), or Prospect Avenue (at Beneta Way). If City Council is interested in installing a flashing beacon at either or both locations, the warrant studies and cost estimates can be completed for the first meeting in December 1988. 0. · BOb ~dendecker Director of Public Works/City Engineer BL:mv Traffic Manual [ II SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN sAF= Figure 10-6 TYPICAL INSTALLATIONS FOR 'FLASHING YELLOW BEACONS AND OVERHEAD:SCHOOL SIGNS I I 10-21 3-1987 ,,SR4 I$C,00LI III gB · (R72) .6W24 . SW25 (W63) (W66) (W65) (W66A) Optional iign aitemblle~, for ute where appropriate. (Omit W65 when out~lde the school zone). % ; MOUNTING ~ MAST ARM MOUNTING (*) Sign altemblles may be fabricated as s single unit (I · Section 10-03.8). TIT/ OF FHOENIX STREET TRANSPORTATION DEPAR~E'NT 'APPLICATION AND OPERATING.~AGREEMENT FOR TEMPORARY SCHOOL CROSSING City of Phoenix Phoenix, Arizona Date: Zl $~fY~l~S~ 1988 DISTRICT, located at ~_oo~ ~4 / ~, 'r',*.~.~.. hereby submits this application for a-school crossing as in- dicated by the following diagram. This is in accordance with Section 28-797, Ari- zona Revised Statutes.. This school is in session (class hours) from 9:~ AM to 3: o~ PM. ~TYPE CROSSWALK ,~ ~.~ 5~ NEW NORTH ARROW ~ RF.T-OCATED ~ [~ MODIFIES HOUPJ _ ~ ABUTTING [2]. NON-ABUTTING _ CROSSWALK GU~JRD ~ I- IS: ~ ~~ ._ In event of approval and subsequent establishment by marking and appropriate signs, the undersigned school authority agrees to administer all duties as pre- scribed in Section 28-70.7 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, and to operate the crossing in conformance to the Arizona School Crossing guidelines as adopted by the Arizona Highway Commission. (Revi~ ~~ Telephone / District Superintendent Approval is hereby granted for the school crossing. -This agreement authorizes the use of portable signs within the roadway from ~' /S' AM to _ ~: O0 AM, -- AM to --' PM, ~ '~,~ PM to ~:.~0 PM, during .days the :~ .. school is in session. Distribution: Copy. - School Principal Orj§.- /'rzffic Operztions Copy - Police Department Traffic Coordinator Copy - District Superintendent Copy'- District Transportation Director Trzf$ic Opefztions V. ngineer s TREET~TRANS PORTATION DEPARTMENT ~e follc,,~lng is a. sunrmry of requirem~-n:s for school crosswalks ~,~,-~ch is consistent with Arizona Revised Statu[es Section 26-797: B, C, F, In fron: of each school bui].dlng, or s:hool grounds abutting ~hereon, the ccarnJ, ssion, by and ;rtth the ad~stce of the school board, or su!~rinrenden[ of $cl~ools, is empowered to marl.:, or cause to he marked by the department or local authorities, a sj..ngle cros~alk ~4~ere children slmll be required to cross the roadway. ASdi=ional crossings across roadways not abutting school grounds may be approved by the department, or local authorities, upon application of school authorities, ~<th ~.rltten satlsfacto~--Y assurance given the departmeng or local authorities tha~ guards will be main[ained by ~he school distric~ at the crossings to. enforce, the proper use of tl~e crossing by school children. The School Safety th-ogram Guidelines, published by Arizona Departnmnt of Transportation provide for the ye].low marling of the school crosm~lk, the yellcr,: marking of the centerllne of the roadway and erection of portable signs indicating tlmt vehicles nus~ stop ~en persons are in the cros~,~Lk. These guidelines also provide the type_ and ;ording of portable signs indicating that school is in session, and permanent sJ.gn%s providing w~rning of such crossings. When such crossings are established school authorities shall be responsible for placing the portable signs %,i~hin the roadway indicating that school is in session, placed no: to exceed three hundred fee: each side of the school cros~lk, and "S:op Uten Children In Crosswalk" at th~ school cros~a]-k. School authorities shall maintain these signs when school is in session and shall cause th~m 'to b-~ removed irrr,ediate!y ~hereaf~er. Portable signs shall be removed fram ~he roadway ~%en the required ~.'.ard is no= on duty a~ the school crossing. Required guards hms: be adult and employed by the school dis:rict. No vehicle shall proceed a~ a speed exceeding fifteen miles per hour %,4ten approaching the cros~,~lk ~ile between the portable signs placed on the roa~y indicating "School In Session" and "S~op Unan Children In Crosswalk." When the clause "School In Session" is used in this sec=ion, el=her referring to the pe.--iod of flys_ or to signs, it means during scb_ool hours or %~ile children ara going ~o or lea%~tng school during opening or closing hours. %~?nen ~ha school authorigies place ard maintain the'required portable signs, "School In Session" and "Stop lJ~]en Children In Crosm~al]~", all vehicles shall coma to a compi~te stop at she school cr~s~ral.k o. when l~ is occupied by any person. .. ._ The g~ard is "go enforce the proper use of th~ crossing by the school children"; therefore, guards shall not direct vehicular traffic unless authorized- ~o do so by the enforcement authority in ju_~_sdic~ion the school crossing is !ocate~. · .., -.. - __ -. '~.. · '\ City of Phoenix Street and Traffic Dept. 125 East Washington Phoenix, Arizona 85004 Attn: Leslie R. Henley Phoenix Elementary Dristict #1 is requesting a survey on a school zone crossing due to school boundary changes. The area to survey is at 12th Street and Palm Lane. We are also requesting a survey for possible removal of crossing lines at 18th St. & Garfield and lines to be placed at 18th St. & McKinley. Sincerely, cc: Dr. Cuendet Mr. McLaughlin Mr. Salcido CITY OF PHOENIX STREETS & TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT 125 EAST WASHINGTON PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85004 (602) 262-6284 September 19, 1984 Mr. HarOld McNulty, Director Property and Supply' '. Phoenix Elementary School District 125 East Lincoln Street Phoenix, AZ 85004 ,. Dear Mr. McNulty: . The surveys for modifying school area crosswalks mentioned in your letter of September 11, 1984 have been scheduled by our staff for the near future. After they are completed, we will advise you of appropriate actions considered or being taken. By copy of this letter, the principals of Whittier and Edison Schools will be aware that conditions are currently under review and may be changed in the near future. . - · Sincerely, ' "- James-g, Matteson,-hP.E./ Leslie R. Henley, Traffic Engineer III LRH/JP/rw/3066R cc: Mr. McLaughlin Mr. Salcido Mr. Sparks CROSSING-GUARD RULES 1. Do arrive before children gather. 2. Do place the portable signs in the street. 3. Do group children off. of the main street before letting them cross. Do observe approaching .traffic. Do wait for an appropriate gap in traffic. 6. Do step out into the adjacent lane when cleab and maintain position. 7. Do signal pedestrians to cross. g. Do withdraw hand signal and return to curb, · ~ Do promote safety, habits in all children. tv. Do remove signs. -10. I. Don't be late. - 2. Don't direct traffic. 3. Don't put your responsibility on the children. 'Don't shou.t at or argue with motorist. Don't use a whistle. 6. Don't be unfriendly with children. 7. Don't create a bad image. Don't assume that all motorists will stop when you step out into the street. .. Don't let pedestrians straggle across the street. Don't forget the large responsibility that you bear, Appendix A School Crossing Signs and Markings · 82-1 * $'1.1 24"x ~0" t ~0" · 30" URBAN ~" · ~" RURAL 24"x a~" Figure 14 S4-$ 24"x 30" ABUTTING SCHOOL CROSSING · Two-Lane/Two-Way Roadway NOTE: No paf~if~ bMwNa school a)eed limit signs duci~ school hours. NO PASSING 15 IIPH SCHOOl ST OPi '" .~,o. WHEN CHILDREN IN CROSSWALK 27 * S1-1 · 30" x 30" UR6AN 3~" x 36" RURAL RI-1 P NG 54-5 J SCHOOL J 24" x 30" ill JcSTOP IHEN CHILDREN S2-2 24" x 30" NOTE: No Parkm9 ~w~ scsi ~ limil signs .. _ Figure 15 S4-I 24"x 30" * S1-1 R1-1 IPASSlN6 J I SCHOOL I lin s[$SlOl j S4-5 24' x 30 ABUTTING SCHOOL CROSSING MuIt~ - Lane/Two-Way F~oadway . · - 24"x 30" . - NO I SCHOOL-I i m .4$t. I 30" x 30" uR6AN 36" x 36- RURAL 28- *S1-1 Figure 16 * S,2ol ~:110ol ~ limit dunmi sc~ol houri. ABUTTING SCHOOL CROSSING *30" x 30" uRBAN 36" x 36- RURAL * S1-1 150' min. * S1-1 R1-1 30" x 30" uRBAN 36- x 36" RURAL S2-2 24" x*30" II RI-1 * S2-1 '. 300' 24" x 30" NOTE: No pa~iflg betwem~ school ~ limit during school ABUTTING SCHOOL CROSSING Mult~ - Lane/1 -Woy I~oa~way Figure 17 S4-$ 24"x ~0" / SCHOOL I i PASSlN6.1 SCHOOL i 54-6 24" x 30" Figure 18 NOTE: NO parkin! school speed limit during school hours. NON-ABUTTING SCHOOL CROSSING Two- Lane / Two- Way Roadway Adult Guard Required YVhen Signs In Place 29 *S1-1 S4-5 24" x 30" ,, .52-1 CROSSWALKI · S2-2 ~ 24 ~ 30 ' P NG ! "" ! SCHOOL / [ II SESSION J S4-5 24 · 30 NOTE: NO ~imJ between SC~I Sbeed limit S~gnS ~ S~I ~rs. ABUTTING SCHOOL CROSSING Two-Lane/Two-Way Unpaved F~oacways 30 RI-1 * S1-1 * 30" x 30" URBAN 36- x 36" RURAL '; S1-1 Figure 19 *S2-1 30" x 30" UI~,AN 36- x 36" RURAL Figure 20 11, SI.1 STANDARD PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALK 1 a Legend Figure 21 . A _:_ A S2-2 STOP ,WHEN CHILDREN ,CRO~-{, ',WALK , I 24 a30 I/2l/4 50 3C 4B 3C 4B I-I/2 · . c · i f G . , ~ i ~ . ~4 m ~0 ~'1~ 7-~/4 ~ 2 II ~ 1-~/4 W.,*e,.~m~ alack ~OL~O WHEN CHILDREN IN CRO~ ',WALK Figure 23 Figure 22 Figure 24 31 c~o[ R7-13 A ' · .&LL D!M--I-~SIONS A/Il IN INCI'IES IOlOlll MARGIN] LETTBI SIZE. S~JIIrrl · $~.;m~ ~iu,-i~ COllIER SIZE IOTH ' IID1~4LINE I LINE 2 , LIN{ 3 LINE 4 LJNE i~ A&DIU$ 12,,18 I/4 I/4 ~C ~8 26-- 16 2B--19 16 I ~)/4 __ i DIM/.N lt~)N ..,, __---- -- -- --T ------~-~T T __ _ · , Whi_~.~.~SAC~GIOUND Il'IX R...~.~L_~I~ AND LEGEND ~8~*~: ~eflec~ori~ed ~ocXcjrounc~ /(~oque L.~end 04A~N DATE Oct. ~97S Oct. I~?S ALL DiMEHSIONS AR~ NOMINA~ Figure 25 32 Appendix B School Crossing Warrants Average Time Between Gaps Warrant "School Age" Pedestrian Volume Warrant- 85th Percentile Approach Speed Warrant Average Demand Per Gap Warrant Maximum Total Points Maximum 10 Points Maximum I0 Points Maximum 5 Points Maximum 8 Points 33 Points The minimum warrant for the installation of a marked school crosswalk is satisfied when a location rates at least one point for "school age" pedestrian volumes and has an overall total of at least 16 points in an urban area, or'12 points in an isolated community of under 10,000 population (rural). Average Time Between Gaps Point assignment is based on the period of time when 80% of the crossing activity takes place on the way to or from' school (EVALUATION PERIOD). Point Assignment Average Minutes Between Usable Gaps in Traffic Points less than I 0 1.01 - 1.25 2 '1.26 - 1.67 4 1.68 - 2.50 6 2.51 - 5.00 8 Over 5 10 Maximum 10 e "School Age" Pedestrian Volume Warrant Points are assigned in accordance with thc total number of "school age" pedestrians crossing at the study location on the.way to,. or from school during the evaluation period. A school crossing will not be installed where the "school age" pedestrian volume is 10 or less. "School. Age" Pedestrian Total During Evaluation Period Urbsn 10 or less 11-30 31-50 51-70 71-90 Over 90 Rural Points 10 or less 0 I 1-20 2 21-35 4 36-50 6 51-65 8 Over 65 10 Maximum l0 - 33 3. 85th Percentile Approach Speed Warrant Points arc assigned in accordance with the vehicular approach speed from both directions of travel as determined through engineering speed studies. No school crosswalks shall be installed on roadways having 85th percentile speeds in excess of 45 mph. Approach Speed Under 20 20-25 26-30 '31-35 36-40 41-45 Over 45 Maximum Points 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 5 4. Average Demand Per Gap Warrant Points are assigned in accordance with the average number of demands per gap during the EVALUATION PERIOD. Since school children frequently walk in groups, the arrival of each individual, or group, at the crossing location should be construed as one demand, i.e., thc arrival of a group of three, one individual, a group of two and another individual constitute FOUR demands. Average Demand Per Gap I or less i.01 - 1.67 1.68- 2.3:~ 2.34 - 3.00 over 3.00 Maximum Points 0 2 4 6 8 8 34 ourvey Methods and Field Form I. Survey Methods: A. Personnel Requirements: One man B. D~ration of Survey: Fo'rty-five minutes .before school-starts in 'the morning or 30 minutes after school ends in the afternoon. C. Equipment: Stop watch and field data'forms. D. Type of Survey: 1. "School Age" Pedestrian count within the crosswalk area during the study period. 2. Usable Gap Time count during thc same study period. a. Each gap that'is equal to or exceeds the calculated "school age" pedestrian crossing time is defined as a Usable Gap Time and is entered on thc field data form as such. 3. Speed samples should be obtained by radar. II. Use A. (!) (2) of the Crosswalk Warrant Field Form: Compute the "School Age" Pedestrian Crossing Time and enter the figure (in seconds) in the appropriate space. B. Begin thc Usable Gap Time recording by entering on the field data sheet the length (in seconds) of those gap times equal to or exceeding the calculated "School Age" Pedestrian Crossing Time. C. To calculate the maximum number of usable gaps, total the Usable Gap Times duririg the EVALUATION PERIOD and divide by the "School Age" Pedestrian Crossing Time. D. To obtain average minutes between gaps, divide the EVALUATION PERIOD (minutes) by the maximum number of usable gaps. E. Record the average time between gaps, the "school age" pedestrian volume, the approach speed, and the average number of demands per gap. F. Evaluate the individual warrants, assign points as merited, and tabulate to determine ifa marked school ' 'crosswalk installation is justified. Formulas W "School Age" Pedestrian Crossing Time = 3.5 + 3 + 2(N - 1) W - crossing time in seconds (critical width in feet of pavement to be crossed, W, divided 3.5 by the assumed juvenile pedestrian walking speed of 3.5 feet per second). 3 = pedestrian perception and reaction time (the number of seconds required for achild to look both ways, make a decision, and commence to walk across the street). 2(N- 1) = pedestrian clearance time (additional seconds of time required to clear large groups of children from the roadway). Children are assumed to cross the roadway in rows of five with two-second time intervals between each row. The clearance time is equal to 2(N - 1) where N is the number of rows, I represents the first row and 2 the time interval between rows. Time Interval (in Minutes) during E.P.* Average Minutes between Gaps = Maximum Number of Usable Gaps (3) Average Number of Demands per Gap = . · Evaluation Period Total Demands during E.P. Max. No. of Usable Gaps 35 Route:_ Date' District: Width of Street 3.5 Ft, Per Sec. M.P Arizona Department of Transportation Highways Division Traffic Operations Services School Crosswalk Warrant Evaluation Time: Intersectio.n: ..... Community: County: Weather' Pedestrian Crossing Time Investigator' + 3 + 2(N - 1) =~+ 3 + 2( 3.5 __ Average No. of Demands Per Gap Total Demands During E.P.* Maximum No. of Usable Ga"I~S T.O.S. NO. Maximum No. of Usable Gaps Total Usable Gap Times During E.P.' Pedestrian Crossing Time Average Minutes Between Gaps Time Interval (Minutes) During E.P.° Maximum No. of Usable Gaps Field Data *Evaluation Period (E.P.) = The period when 80% of the school age crossing activity occurs. Evaluation: Urban Conditions - 16 Points Rural Conditions- 12 Points Warrants 1. Average Time Between Gaps (Min.) 2. School Age Pedestrian Volume (No.) 3. 85th Percentile Approach Speed (MPH) _ Assigned Points . Sketch Maximum Points 10 10 4. Average Demand Per Gap (No.) 8 33 Total 36 Pedestrian Volume & Usable Gap Time Time Usable Gap Time Time Usable Gap Time Usable Time Gap Time Time Usable Gap Time Pedestrian Count Divided into 5-Minute Intervals 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 37 Appendix D Application and Operating Agreement for School Crossing Director Arizona Department of Transportation 206 South 17th Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 8:5007 Crossing Code Number Dear Sir: In accordance with the provisions of Section 28-797 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, application is hereby made for a school crossing at the location indicated on the following diagram: Abutting North Arqow F-'] Non-Abutting Note: This school is in session from AM to (Class Hours Only) PM Street Name/State Route Street Name/State Route The undersigned school authority agrees to administer all duties as prescribed in Section 28-797 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, to operate the crossing in conformance with the Arizona Department of Transportation's Guidelines for a Comprehensive School Safety Program, and when required, to provide an adult guard at the crossing during the periods of normal usage. ADULT GUARD School District Required School Not Required City County _Non-Public Signature of School Authority Title Date Approval is hereby granted for the school crossing, with the stipulation that portable signs may not Iflaced within the roadway prior to AM nor later than PM during school days, and that Itl adult, guard, when required, be on duty during periods of normal usage. Authorizing Agency Approved Title Date 41 Appendix E Transcript of School Crossing Guard Training Program The Departments of Education and Transportation, in an effort to provide maximum protection for our school children, developed a training program for 3;'ou, the school crossing guard. As a school crossing guard, your primary duty is to supervise the crossing of pedestrians. Your duties do not include directing traffic. This is accomplished by the installation of proper signing and striping required by law at school crossings. Supervising young pedestrians can be difficult. Clowning around and horseplay can be expected when dealing with 5 to 14 year old pedestrians, but should not be tolerated when the children are crossing or preparing to cross the street. Through the proper use of your authority as a school crossing guard, these and similar situations should be eliminated. Since school crosswalks must be established in accordance with Arizona state law, they also must be monitored for compliance~ For example, this vehicle is stopped within the crosswalk. A common violation is that of parents stopping within the school crossing area to pick up or drop off their children. If this type of violation or any other unsafe condition p~rsists, your supervisor or the police should be contacted for assistance. Your school district should have filled out an application similar to the one shown, and signed an agreement to operate the crosswalk in accordance with the Arizona Revised Statutes. One of the Statutes requires that a school crossing guard be assigned to all non-abutting school crosswalks when the crossing is in operation. The use of a school crossing guard at abutting crossings is also a common practice, but not required by law. Your particular duty should be made clear by your immediate supervisor. Please remember that you have no legal authority to direct traffic or to take enforcement action against violators. Again, your basic mission is to supervise the crossing of pedestrians. This demands that you constantly be alert and observant of violations or conditions that would be detrimental to pedestrian safety. Arrival at your assigned crossing should allow sufficient time for completion of normal duties. One of the duties is placing the portable signs in the roadway. The location for each sign should be predetermined, and a yellow dot marked on the pavement, thereby assuring consistent placement. Upon arrival, any unusual or unsafe condition should be noted and, if possible, remedied. If any permanent signs are knocked down or defaced, this may require you, the crossing guard, to exercise extra care, as would bad weather, unusually heavy or fast traffic or construction that interferes with normal flow of traffic. Your evaluation of conditions and the exercising of additional care can make the difference. As a crossing guard, you may be the only adult available in case of emergency. You should know the location of the nearest telephone, the numbers of both the fire and police departments, and the location of the nearest hospital. Every school crossing is unique, but the basic safety procedures remain the same. Pedestrians should be grouped if possible, thereby reducing the number of crossings. The grouping should be done on the sidewalk or the shoulder area, out of the traffic stream, but preferably in the view of motorists as they approach the crossing. Once a group is formed or even a single pedestrian, depending on the demand, the guard will signal to traffic. This signal may be made with your hand or the use of a hand-held stop paddle, if pro~'ided by the district, indicating to traffic that pedestrians are about to use the crosswalk. The timeliness of the signal is an important factor since motorist's reaction times vary; however, the selection of an appropriate gap will allow motorists enough safe time to safely react. In this case the signal was given but the motorist was either unable to stop or decided not to. Once assured that all traffic is stopped you should signal pedestrians to cross. As shown, you turn your body 90 degrees to the left and face the traffic in the nearest lane. Continuing to maintain signal, you then observe the progress of the pedestrians. As a crossing guard, encourage the children to cross quickly but don't let them run or ride their bicy~:le. Also, be insistent that all children pay attention to you and have an awareness while crossing. Over-confidence or over-dependency on the guard by the children should, in all cases, be discouraged. Some crossings may require a little extra discretion from the crossing guard. For example, a wide street or a street with a curb median may require you to accompany the pedestrians toward the other side, taking up and maintaining a position in the middle of the far traffic lane. If necessary you may have to personally escort young children across the street. However, at all time, you and your signal should remain visible until all children have crossed safely. In restarting traffic don't signal or direct traffic to proceed. Withdrawing your signal while quickly returning to your original position is recognized by the motorist. The motorist will then proceed with more caution than if actually signalled to proceed. 43 In summary, here's a list of ten do's and don'ts for crossing guards. First, let's review the do's: And now for the dont's: 1. Don't 2. Don't 1. Arrive well before children begin Jo ghther. 3. Don't 2. Properly locate all portable signs. 4. Don't 3. Group the children before they begin to cross. 5. Don't 4. Watch for traffic. 6. Don't 5. Use your adult judgement to select an 7. l~on't appropriate time to cross the children. 8. Don't 6. Use the proper signal and maintain your 9. Don't position in the roadway, street. 7. Motion the children to cross. 10. Don't 8. Return to your original position while safety withdrawing the hand signal. 9. Encourage good habits at all times. 10. Remove signs from the roadway. arrive late. direct traffic, direct pedestrians. expect the children to do your job. . be rude' to the motorist. use a whistle. be grouchy with the children. give the public a bad impression. anticipate that all motorists will stop. allow children to play while crossing the forget that you are responsible for the of our school children. I hope that we have instilled in you, the school crossing guard, the knowledge and know-how to avoid an incident like this one. Thank you for your attention and, most importantly, for being a school crossing guard.