Crossing guard warns: School is still in session, don’t let spring fever distract you

SALT LAKE CITY — Spring fever is in the air, and warmer temperatures have everyone excited for summer break. 

Davis County crossing guard Traci Peterson said that excitement has school kids and drivers getting a little careless around crosswalks.

“Kids are crazy right now, and they need all the help they can get,” Peterson said.

According to Peterson, some kids haven’t used the crosswalks for a while due to lower temperatures.

“You just suddenly have a lot more kids crossing, especially in the afternoon,” Peterson said. “… So they’re just coming back for the nice weather  …  and they don’t remember the rules.”

Peterson said some kids get excited and forget to wait for the crossing guard to help them cross safely.

“(Kids) will kind of rush out,” Peterson said. “So, it’s a little bit more crazy, just the number of kids.”

Additionally, Peterson said some kids walk home with friends after school, meaning they don’t usually cross the street at all.

Spring fever also distracting drivers

According to Peterson, it’s not just the kids who are distracted by spring fever. She also said drivers must be extra cautious as kids may not be paying attention to their surroundings.

“They will just run out into the crosswalk,” she said. ” … If it’s crowded or they’re on their bike, they’ll kind of go out a few feet to go around the big group,” Peterson said.

Peterson said there are some things drivers can do to make crosswalks safer. She said it is imperative to make eye contact.

“Make sure that we both see each other,” Peterson said.

Additionally, drivers need to remember to use their blinkers.

“So many drivers in a school zone simply don’t use their blinkers and then I’m trying to guess and not knowing exactly which way they’re going, and I may make the wrong choice,” Peterson said.

Crossing guard shortage

According to Peterson, school districts are having trouble getting enough crossing guards because of how dangerous it has become.

“Last fall, different cities and schools were were begging for more crossing guards,” she said.  “It’s hard because it can be a little scary and intimidating, especially when you hear the news about the kids and crossing guards who do get injured.”

After a crossing guard was killed last fall, Peterson started putting the names of people hit and injured in the crosswalk on traffic cones. But even with all of that, Peterson said she loves her job.

“Being a crossing guard is the best thing ever,” she said. “I love it. I love the kids. I love getting to know their families. It is so much fun.”

She said she doesn’t like the danger but wouldn’t trade her job for anything.

“I’ve met so many amazing families and I just love getting out here and being with the kids.”

Peterson acknowledged that everyone, including parents and teachers, feels the excitement of warmer weather and the anticipation of summer break. However, she emphasized the importance of staying focused behind the wheel to prevent a momentary lapse from leading to serious consequences.

“I mean, I’ve been a distracted driver,” she said. “Everyone has. No one is immune from it. And we just don’t want to let that distraction be the one time it causes irreparable harm to someone.”

Related reading:

• Woman hit by car in Roy crosswalk, making it third reported auto-pedestrian accident in Roy in last month
• How Utah hopes these traffic light additions can improve pedestrian safety
• Memorial Day marks beginning of  the 100 deadliest days on Utah roads

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