Florida’s School Crossing Guard Training (FSCGT) Program Presented by: Carol Pulley University of Florida Safety Administrator Florida School Crossing

Pedestrian Safety: Crash Statistics

Florida's School Crossing Guard Training Program

Traffic Crash Statistics Report 2006http://www.flhsmv.gov/hsmvdocs/CS2006.pdf

Pedestrian Safety: Crash Rates Significant declines in pedestrian death

and injury rates each year, but….


Traffic Crash Statistics Report 2006, http://www.flhsmv.gov/hsmvdocs/CS2006.pdf

Importance of School-Age Pedestrian Safety: Types and causes of vehicular and pedestrian crashes2006: 39% of all 16 and under pedestrian

fatalities occurred between 3 and 7 pm In 2005, child pedestrians ages 5 to 9 are

at highest risk of being killed or injured due to being hit by a car2005: Of the 585 traffic fatalities for 5 to 9 age

group, 108 (18%) were pedestrians2006: Of the 516 fatalities, 104 (20%) were

pedestriansFlorida's School Crossing Guard Training Program

Importance of School-Age Pedestrian Safety: Types and causes of vehicular and pedestrian crashesApproximately 40% of all crashes involving

pedestrians occur at intersections77% of pedestrian fatalities among 14 and

younger were at non-intersection locationsIn Florida, roadway midblock (not crosswalk) was

the action resulting in injury among 5 to 14 year olds

Dart/Dash crash type is the most prevalent type among school-age children


Importance of School-Age Pedestrian Safety: Types and causes of vehicular and pedestrian crashesPedestrian in school zone is most at risk when:

14 years old or youngerRunning, and Crossing at midblock,Crossing within 50 feet of an intersection, orCrossing against a signal, andMotorist is either going straight or making right

turnVisibility/environmental factors


Importance of School-Age Pedestrian Safety: Dart/dash crash type


www.walkinginfo.org/facts/pbcat/ped_images.cfm

Importance of School-Age Pedestrian Safety: Turning vehicles


www.walkinginfo.org/facts/pbcat/ped_images.cfm

Educating School-Age Pedestrians: Children are different than adults!Guards need to understand the

perspective and limitations of children in trafficLower eye levelRestricted field of viewDiminished judgment skills/lack of experienceI see them, they see meHearing differencesIntense focus on single activityParents’ expectations



Florida School Crossing Guard Training Program

FSCGT Program

Safety of Florida’s Students!


FSCGT Program’s Purpose

Establish school crossing guard guidance and provide standardized training to local agency trainers to ensure school crossing guards throughout the state understand proper crossing procedures and recognize hazardous situations.


FSCGT ProgramTrain guards to:

Use proper crossing techniques consistentlyEncourage patterns of proper crossing

behavior by studentsDeter students from committing

unsafe/unlawful actsRecognize and report hazardous conditionsTake proper actions in an emergencyKnow their responsibilities and limitations of

authorityExhibit professionalism and instill confidenceEarn students’ respect


Florida School Crossing Guards Training Program

Receive training in working with children so as to understand how children interact with traffic

Distinct from directing traffic or police officers dutiesFlorida's School Crossing Guard Training

Program

Crossing Guards: Safety coaches before and after school

Ensures that students do not cross until it is safe to do so

Using proper crossing techniquesSetting the exampleInstructing and reinforcing safe crossing

techniquesBeing visible and conspicuous to motorists


Crossing Guards: Safety coaches before and after schoolCoaches children to use

proper traffic search procedures for crossing a street Reinforce safe street

practices (look left, right, left and over shoulder at corners)

Looking L-R-L before entering street reduces midblock dart-out or dash crashes


Educating School-Age Pedestrians

Educating children reduces pedestrian injury and death


Crossing Guards Enhance School Zones

“Safety of trips to and from school can be enhanced by sidewalks and proper signalization, but also by well-trained adult crossing guards and selective police enforcement. Certain warning signs (e.g., flashing school speed limit signs) and markings (e.g., school crosswalks) are also appropriate and beneficial to pedestrians in many school zones.”

A Review of Pedestrian Safety Research in the United States and Abroad , p.3, 124Florida's School Crossing Guard Training

Program

Florida School Crossing Guard Training Program

New Website and Crossing Guard Management System

http://www2.dot.state.fl.us/CrossingGuard

FDOT Safety Office Programs

Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Programs:Florida Traffic and Bicycle Safety Education Program

Safe Routes to School (SRTS)Florida School Crossing Guard Training Program


FDOT Safety Office Programs: Florida Traffic and Bicycle Safety Education Program

Mission is to prevent injuries to children from bicycle and pedestrian crashes by training them with the knowledge and skills needed to be competent and safe in traffic.


FDOT Safety Office Programs: Safe Routes to School (SRTS)


FDOT Safety Office Programs: Safe Routes to School (SRTS) To enable and encourage children, including those

with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school

To make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation alternative, thereby encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age, and

To facilitate the planning, development, and implementation of projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity of schools.


Crossing Guards as a Resource Relationships

Traffic EngineerSchools School Resource Officer

Crossing guard supervisor can participate on: Student/Pedestrian Safety CommitteesSchool Traffic Safety Team Community Traffic Safety Team (CTST)

Contact your Crossing Guard Coordinator today!County Sheriff’s OfficeCity’s Police Department


Florida School Crossing Guard of the Year


Questions?


Documents

Florida’s School Crossing Guard Training (FSCGT) Program Presented by: Carol Pulley University of Florida Safety Administrator Florida School Crossing