Adult School Crossing Guard Training

Transcription

1 Adult School Crossing Guard Training

2 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION... II TRAINING MANUAL... 1 Introduction to Adult School Crossing Guard Training... 1 Goals of the Adult School Crossing Guard Training Program... 2 Orientation to Governing Organization... 3 Primary Responsibilities of the Adult School Crossing Guard... 4 Adult School Crossing Guard versus Student Safety Patrol... 6 Limitations of Children s Perspectives... 7 Pedestrian Crashes and Behaviors... 8 Techniques Adult School Crossing Guard Placement and Visibility Uniforms Incident Reporting Hazardous Conditions Bad Weather Emergency Situations First Aid Public Image Traffic Operations Factors Relevant Traffic Laws Legal and Risk Management Issues Notes on In-The-Field Training REFERENCES ADMINISTRATIVE RESOURCES In-Class Written Exam In-Class Written Exam Answer Key In-Class Performance Checklist On-Site Performance Checklist Information on Related Programs Relevant Traffic Laws TOC i

3 INTRODUCTION Adult school crossing guards play an important role in the lives of children who walk or bicycle to school. They help children safely cross the street at key locations. They also remind drivers of the existence of pedestrians. The presence of adult crossing guards can lead to more parents feeling comfortable about their children walking or bicycling to school. While the primary role of an adult school crossing guard is to guide children safely across the street, children also remain responsible for their own safety. In this manner, a crossing guard plays another key function as a role model in helping children develop the skills necessary to cross streets safely at all times. Some federal guidance exists regarding adult school crossing guards but most requirements are left to states and local communities to decide. The Ohio Adult School Crossing Guard Training Program is being established to provide a clearinghouse of information and train adult school crossing guard trainers. These trainers, in turn, train adult school crossing guards for their local agencies. Uniform training promotes consistent, effective operation of guarded school crossings used by students in Ohio. As shown by the tragic death of Dianna Sharp in 2008, adult school crossing guards can work in a dangerous environment. As a crossing guard in Hilliard, Ohio, she sacrificed her life to save an 8-year-old student. There has never been any indication that anything could have been done to avoid the crash since the driver of the vehicle was at fault. But this incident serves as an example of why adult school crossing guard training is an important issue worthy of the State s attention. Course Overview This is a half-day training program that will teach the techniques and procedures to use as an adult school crossing guard. In addition to the training manual, there is also an Administrative Resources section. This section includes copies of relevant laws and guidelines throughout Ohio as well as samples of the in-class written exam and the in-the-field Performance Checklist that can be used by agencies for their training. Finally, a reference section lists the various sources and documents that were utilized to help create this training manual. This training program is for adults that are interested in assisting students safely walk and bicycle to and from school and want to use the techniques in ODOT s training to do so. This training will be given annually at ODOT and attendees can then take this information back to their local agency to further train individuals in their organization or community. TOC ii

4 TRAINING MANUAL Introduction to Adult School Crossing Guard Training This manual provides the background information needed to train adult school crossing guards. Welcome Participants Welcome to the Adult School Crossing Guard Training program! Your participation and input is very valuable in making sure that this training course is effective, enjoyable, and useful. Make sure that everyone has signed in. Then, spend a few minutes introducing yourself and any other instructors who may be involved (even if they are not present). Have the participants introduce themselves. If the class is small enough, have participants explain how the existing Crossing Guard program works in their community, if there is on, and provide a quick personal story about any time they have encountered a difficult situation when performing crossing guard duties. As the instructor, you can then use these stories to interweave as examples when relevant in the course and to better engage the participants. Make sure that participants are familiar with the facility (location of restrooms, drinking fountains, etc.). Duration of the Training This is a four (4) hour training course that consists of a classroom portion that is approximately two-and-ahalf (2.5) hours and an in-the-field training portion that will last approximately one-and-a-half (1.5) hours. Periodic breaks will be provided. Questions Questions and active participation are encouraged by all participants. Time will be provided at the end of each section for participants to ask questions. Training Manual 1

5 Goals of the Adult School Crossing Guard Training Program This Adult School Crossing Guard Training Program is based on the standards set forth in the Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (OMUTCD) under Chapter 7. The primary goals of adult school crossing guards are to: Teach children the proper way to cross a road. Oversee the safe crossing of school children at specified crossing locations. Adult school crossing guards will accomplish these goals by doing the following: Encouraging proper crossing behaviors and discouraging unsafe behavior near traffic. Informing motorists of the presence of pedestrians and that school children are using or are about to use the crosswalk. Observing and reporting incidents and/or conditions that present potential hazards to the school children s or crossing guard s safety. Training Objectives This Adult School Crossing Guard Training Program serves three primary purposes: To help crossing guards understand the importance of their job and the reason for this training. To teach the correct crossing procedures. To evaluate the crossing guard s ability to do their job effectively. After completing the Adult School Crossing Guard Training Course, a crossing guard should know the following: Know the full extent of their responsibilities as a crossing guard. Understand the major types of pedestrian crashes. Understand the limitations of children s perspectives of traffic and how they differ from an adult s perspective. Know the proper crossing techniques and how to teach them to children. Understand the placement for crossing guards and the concept of being visible. Know how to identify safe gaps in traffic, or create them when necessary, and use them to allow children to cross the street. Know how to alert motorists that pedestrians are in the process of using the school crossing. Know what to do in emergency situations. Know the proper procedure for reporting hazards and incidents. Understand the expected standards of personal behavior and conduct while on duty. Questions? Training Manual 2

6 Orientation to Governing Organization Adult school crossing guards should understand their affiliation with the agency/organization that employs them. They should know some of the basics about the agency/organization and its role in the Adult School Crossing Guard program. They will also need information about the agency/organization that they can refer to when they have questions or need to contact someone. A handout should be prepared by the governing agency/organization for their crossing guards with the information listed below for them to keep for reference. The agency should determine well ahead of time who will be responsible for preparing this document (whether it be the crossing guard trainer, another employee at the agency, or someone else) so that this document is ready for the crossing guards to use as soon as they begin their duties. The agency or organization the crossing guard is working with should provide them with some information about the agency/organization and their role in the Adult School Crossing Guard Program. They should also provide crossing guards with a list with the following information, should they have any questions or need to get in contact with someone: Name and phone number of the supervisor. Structure of the agency (i.e. who are the officers in the agency). Any local ordinances, policies, and procedures that may need to be known that are not covered in this manual. List of law enforcement contacts and other emergency numbers. Copy of the school calendar. List of the schools in the district with the following information for each school: o Phone number. o Principal s name(s). o Hours in session. Roster of all crossing guards with the following information for each crossing guard: o Crossing guard s name. o Crossing guard s phone number(s). o Post location. o Time at post. Questions? Training Manual 3

7 Primary Responsibilities of the Adult School Crossing Guard Adult school crossing guards have a wonderful opportunity to help children to learn about the proper techniques for safely crossing a street. Once children have successfully learned these skills, they will be able to use them throughout their lives. However, it will take more than one lesson for them to learn these skills and just because they have learned the proper skills doesn t mean that they will always remember to use them. Crossing guards are important role models to the children, especially younger ones, so it is important for the crossing guards to always use the proper techniques and continually reinforce them to the children. Overview of an Adult School Crossing Guard s Job A crossing guard is expected to arrive promptly at their assigned crossing location each day and to remain at that location throughout their shift. A crossing guard s primary role is to use safe gaps in traffic, or create them if necessary, to help students safely cross a street. A crossing guard s first concern is the safety of the students under their supervision and teaching the students proper crossing behaviors (including the left-right-left and over-the-shoulder traffic search pattern). A crossing guard is responsible for projecting a positive public image, as well as serving as a positive role model for children. A crossing guard is responsible for observing their surroundings and reporting any hazardous conditions or incidents that may create a hazardous situation for pedestrians. A Crossing Guard s Responsibilities A crossing guard s first concern is the safety of the children they are crossing. Crossing guards will use safe gaps in traffic to help children cross the street. When the natural flow of traffic does not allow enough time for children to safely cross the street, a crossing guard will need to control the traffic to create a gap. (See the Techniques section for proper stopping and crossing procedures.) Crossing guards will help students cross the street using traffic control devices (such as pedestrian signals and traffic lights), if provided. For crossing guards who are also dealing with school buses, the crossing guard will also use the gaps in traffic and traffic signals (if available) to help coordinate the movement of buses and other traffic. It should be noted that crossing guards do not direct traffic as a police officer would during an accident or when a signal fails. Instead, crossing guards stationed at unsignalized locations will control traffic by choosing opportune times to use or create sufficient gaps in traffic flow such as extending selected gaps as needed or obligating drivers to yield the right of way so that children can complete their crossing. Crossing guards will teach children proper crossing techniques and make sure that the children use the techniques learned. At the beginning of each school year, crossing guards should teach children the proper traffic search techniques and watch them to make sure that they are using these techniques correctly. After they ve gone over the techniques with the children for a few days Training Manual 4

8 (about a week or so), the crossing guards should ask the children what they are supposed to do to cross the street. Still, it is important to always monitor the children to make sure they are using the proper techniques even if they ve demonstrated that they know the procedures because they may not always remember to use them. Crossing guards should praise children who use the proper techniques and encourage those who aren t to do so. Crossing guards must be a positive role model, demonstrating proper traffic safety skills for children, adults, and motorists. Children imitate the behavior of adults whom they admire. Identify any problem conditions or behaviors. The crossing guard should report these to both their supervisor and the local law enforcement agency. Follow any other applicable local laws. Relevant state-wide laws are listed in the Relevant Traffic Laws section of this manual while a summary or listing of relevant local laws should be provided to the crossing guard by their local governing agency. A crossing guard should have knowledge of heavy traffic times, the type of vehicular traffic (motor vehicles, semi-trucks, etc.), and common traffic hazards. Heavy traffic times usually occur in early morning or late afternoon due to motorists driving to or from work. Schools that start later in the morning may have some occurrences of early morning rush-hour traffic; however, most schools end before afternoon rush-hour. Crossing guards should also be aware of parents dropping off and picking up kids at school zones where motorists may stop abruptly or park on the side of the street. These common occurrences are types of traffic hazards that usually involve pedestrians or drivers who do not pay attention and, therefore, do not practice adequate evasive action. Necessary Skills for Adult School Crossing Guards Grouping pedestrians. Explaining to pedestrians how to cross properly. Observing traffic flow and conditions. Waiting for appropriate gaps. Giving the appropriate signals to traffic. Telling pedestrians to cross and observing that they use proper pedestrian skills. Halting pedestrians movement before traffic flow begins. Procedures for crossing mid-block. Procedures for crossing unsignalized intersections. Procedures for crossing signalized intersections. Procedures for crossing multi-lane or divided highway. Questions? Training Manual 5

9 Adult School Crossing Guard versus Student Safety Patrol Some schools may already use student volunteers as safety patrollers. If this is the case, adult school crossing guards are not meant to replace the student safety patrollers but rather to work with them. Following is a brief overview of the roles of adult school crossing guards, the roles of student safety patrollers, and how the two positions can work together. Adult School Crossing Guard Adult school crossing guards use adequate gaps in traffic to help students safely cross streets near schools. They teach children proper crossing techniques and monitor children to make sure they are using the techniques they ve been taught. They are aware of traffic conditions on the roads at their posts (volume of traffic, types of vehicles) as well as common traffic hazards at their post and report these and any other problems to the proper authorities. Student Safety Patrol Safety patrollers direct their fellow students, not vehicular traffic. They typically direct students at locations on school grounds (within the school building, on and off of school buses, or at street corners on the school property). For more information about the roles of student safety patrollers in the state of Ohio, see the AAA School Safety Patrol Operations Manual. For more information on safety patrol programs, see the Administrative Resources section at the end of this manual. Working Together Adult school crossing guards and student safety patrollers can work independently of each other, but they can also work together. If an adult school crossing guard and student safety patroller(s) is stationed at the same crossing, the crossing guard should focus on the traffic at the crossing (watching for safe gaps in traffic, stepping out into the road to control traffic, etc.) while the student safety patrollers should focus on the students, making sure they don t cross the street until instructed by the crossing guard. Adult school crossing guards should consult the school they are working with to find out more about their Safety Patrol program. Questions? Training Manual 6

10 Limitations of Children s Perspectives An important factor in being a crossing guard is understanding how children differ from adults and how these differences can affect their safety. A major difference is in how children perceive things around them, including traffic. Children s Perspectives Children see things differently. The eye of a young child is capable of only two-thirds of the peripheral vision of an adult. Just because you can see a child doesn t mean that they can see you. Children may not know the meaning of traffic-related signs. Children mix fantasy with reality. At times, they may think that inanimate objects, such as cars, are alive and, therefore, don t view them as being dangerous. Children have difficulty judging closure speeds. They cannot judge the distance of an on-coming vehicle, the time it will take to reach them, or how fast they are traveling. However, practice will help with this. Children hear things differently. They cannot determine where a sound is coming from and, therefore, may be slower to respond to a horn or sirens. Children have a one-on-one focus. They can only focus on one event (or thought) at a time, so they may not notice traffic if they are occupied with something else. Children are spontaneous and curious. This may lead them to quickly dart into the street. Children will complete any motion that they start. They may not respond to new stimuli that can arise after they ve started an activity, which can be dangerous. Children overestimate their abilities. This could affect their timing and lead to an accident as they may underestimate how quickly they can make it across the street or that they can make it across the road before a car reaches them. Children pattern their actions after others, especially older siblings and friends. They will learn both the good and the bad behaviors displayed by others around them, including the crossing guard. Children are forced to respond to an adult world. Their logic may not be appropriate or adequate for an adult world. Questions? Training Manual 7

11 Pedestrian Crashes and Behaviors This section gives valuable background information on which behaviors can lead to crashes. The crossing guards can then use this information to better explain to the children why they need to use proper crossing techniques. Ohio Pedestrian Crash Statistics From 2010 through 2012, there were over 2,500 crashes involving a child, age 5-14 (either on bicycle or on foot) within two miles of a kindergarten through 8 th grade school statewide. Those crashes resulted in over 1,500 injuries and 17 deaths. Overview of Common Crash Types Dart-Out: Pedestrian darts into the street without warning and without searching for traffic. Many of these types of pedestrian crashes occur mid-block, primarily in residential areas. Vehicle Turn/Merge: A driver is turning and merging into traffic, and vehicle strikes a pedestrian headed in a direction different from the driver s focus of attention. These crashes occur almost always at intersections, including driveways. Pedestrian errors involve inattention to traffic or failure to conduct a proper search pattern. Multiple-Threat: While crossing a multi-lane street, the pedestrian is permitted to cross by one vehicle that has stopped, but is then struck by another vehicle that passes the stopped vehicle, traveling in the same direction. These often occur because the pedestrian does not continue to search while crossing. Bus-Stop Related: A pedestrian is struck by a vehicle while crossing in front of a school bus that is stopped at a bus stop. Pedestrian errors involve choosing a low-visibility route and not stopping to look for traffic. Vendor/Ice Cream Truck: Pedestrian is struck going to or from a vendor vehicle. Pedestrian error is not searching properly. Intersection Dash: Pedestrian is struck by a moving vehicle while crossing at an intersection, often while running. The crossing may or may not take place at a marked crosswalk. Pedestrian error involves children distracted by play activity who fail to search properly. Backing-Up Vehicle: Occurs when a vehicle is backing up in a roadway, driveway, or parking lot. Pedestrian error involves not being aware of or watching for backup lights or other signs that the vehicle is preparing to move. Crash Statistics The likelihood of a vehicle-pedestrian crash resulting in injury or even death rises exponentially as speeds increase above 20 MPH. The possibility of a pedestrian surviving a crash when the vehicle is only traveling at 20 MPH is about 95% (65% injured and 30% uninjured). The possibility of a pedestrian surviving a crash when the vehicle is only traveling at 30 MPH is about 55% (50% injured and 5% uninjured). Training Manual 8

12 The possibility of a pedestrian surviving a crash when the vehicle is only traveling at 40 MPH is about 15% (15% injured and 0% uninjured). (Source: Coeur d'alene Pedestrian & Bicycle Blog, cdapedbike.blogspot.com) Stopping Distances It is also important to understand the relationship between vehicle speed, response time, and braking distance. In short, the faster you are going, the longer it takes for you to react to a situation and ultimately stop. For example, a vehicle traveling at 40 MPH will travel 40 feet while reacting to a situation and requires another 80 feet to brake, for a total stopping distance of 120 feet (or nine car lengths). A vehicle traveling at 20 MPH, however, takes 20 feet to react and another 20 feet to brake, for a total stopping distance of 40 feet (or three car lengths). (Source: FHWA Safety, Questions? Training Manual 9

13 Techniques Positioning The crossing guard should always stand where he or she can be clearly seen. In the morning, the crossing guard s initial position is on the curb, on the same side as the approaching students (usually on the opposite side of the intersection from the school). In the afternoon, this position will be reversed so that the crossing guard s initial position is on the school side of the intersection. The supervisor will help each crossing guard determine proper placement according to the needs of a particular crossing. Assessing Gaps in Traffic Crossing guards will need to determine if there is a safe enough gap in traffic for students to cross the street. When necessary, crossing guards will create safe gaps in traffic so children can cross. The crossing guards must be able to judge the speed of vehicles, judge the volume of traffic, observe the weather conditions and condition of the road, and know the number of lanes of traffic. Crossing guards can use one of the following methods to help them determine a safe gap in traffic: 1. Using your line of vision to identify a safe gap. a. When there is no traffic, step out into the street. b. Look down the street in the direction that the first threat traffic (traffic coming from the left) will be coming from. c. Note the point in the road where you can evenly see the entire width of the road. This is the point that vehicles should be behind in order for there to be a safe gap in traffic. d. Repeat for the other direction (if applicable). 2. Time traffic based on a fixed object. (Source: FDOT) a. Walk across the street at a normal speed when there is no traffic. b. Count the seconds to cross safely and add five seconds to allow for students who start across later than the lead student. c. Pick a fixed point (such as a mailbox or signpost) that is about 1,000 feet from the student crossing point. d. When a vehicle passes this point, count the seconds until the vehicle reaches the crossing. In the future, you will know that if a vehicle is behind this point, students should have enough time to safely cross the street. Waiting to Cross Crossing guards should remind the children to wait at least three feet back from the curb or roadway edge until traffic has been stopped and the crossing guard has signaled them to search and proceed. It can be helpful to mark a stand back line to show the children how far back they should stand; student safety patrollers can also help hold children back from the road. Crossing guards should also use the time while Training Manual 10

14 they are waiting to cross children to explain to them the proper search pattern and good pedestrian behaviors. Proper Search Pattern A common theme in all pedestrian-related crashes is the failure of the pedestrian to search properly before entering the travel lane. One of the most important roles of the adult school crossing guard is to teach and reinforce proper crossing behavior. The crossing guard should always talk to the children about safe crossing techniques as they are gathering and waiting to be crossed. Go over with the children what they are searching for and why. Stress to them that they must continue looking, even while they are crossing the street. The proper search pattern is to: Stop at the curb or edge of the road, standing at least three feet back from the road. Look left, right, then left again for traffic. If at an intersection, look over your shoulder for possible turning vehicles before you start crossing. Keep scanning for traffic while crossing the road. Left. Right. Left. Over your shoulder. (Source: FDOT) If there are obstacles in the road (parked cars, piles of snow, etc.), the children should walk to the edge of the obstacle and then perform their search procedure. This search pattern needs to be performed each time a crossing guard begins to cross children, by both the crossing guard and the children. Children should be reminded to continue looking for traffic until they are completely out of the roadway. A good technique to teach children to help them remember this is to look all ways and look always. After searching, children should be reminded to stay in the crosswalk and to walk directly across the street at a consistent pace. Those on bicycles should be instructed to dismount their bicycles and walk them across Training Manual 11

15 the street. Monitor the children as much as possible to see that they are searching properly. Praise those who do and encourage those who don t. Using the STOP Paddle Crossing guards will be trained to use the STOP paddle and hand signals as basic techniques in school crossings. All communication from the crossing guard must be uniform, crisp, and clearly informative so that both motorists and pedestrians will know what is expected of them. Hand signals/movements are primarily used with motorists and bicyclists on the street, but can be used to signal children. However, it is important that these hand signals conform to standard traffic control procedures. The crossing guard should always establish eye contact with the person whose actions are being directed, whether motorist, bicyclist, or pedestrian. Verbal messages may also be used with pedestrians and bicyclists on sidewalks. Be sure to establish clear eye contact with pedestrians when signaling them. First, crossing guards must scan the intersection in all directions. In order to gauge whether approaching traffic will be able to see him/her in the crosswalk and yield in time, the crossing guard should use the search pattern described above. Once they have determined that it is ok to enter the street, the crossing guard should then signal to alert drivers to his/her presence using the STOP paddle and the following procedure: 1. After making sure that children are standing back from the road (behind the designated line, if provided) and that the street is safe to enter, step into the intersection. 2. Stop the first threat traffic (traffic coming from the left) first. Start by standing on the side of the crosswalk closest to the oncoming traffic and face each leg of the oncoming traffic while holding up the STOP paddle perpendicular to the ground and facing the oncoming traffic. The crossing guard should make eye contact with motorists to be sure that each leg of traffic has seen them and is stopping before moving on to the next threat. If using a whistle for motorists, use one long blast to stop traffic or several short blasts to get the attention of a problem motorist or pedestrian. (If a motorist still fails to respond, be prepared to evade the area, if necessary, and then report the incident with license number and description of the car and driver to a supervisor.) 3. Following the same procedure, stop traffic coming from the last threat approach (traffic coming from the right). Stand on the side of the crosswalk closest to the oncoming traffic and hold up the STOP paddle, making sure each approach stops. 4. Once all approaches of traffic have been stopped, move to the center of the street and stand on the side of the crosswalk that is closest to the most oncoming traffic treats. This is the crossing guard s final position (see graphic to the right). 5. Check all approaches of traffic one final time to make sure all vehicles are stopped. (Source: FDOT) Once traffic is stopped and the crossing guard has taken their final position, the crossing guard should verbally instruct children to begin their own traffic searches as they proceed to walk through the crosswalk (or instruct the student safety patroller(s) to let students cross). The crossing guard should be sure to Training Manual 12

16 position themselves so that they can see the children and as much of the traffic as possible. A crossing guard must always use their STOP paddle, even if there are no cars in the immediate vicinity or when traffic is very light. Crossing guards must remain in the center of the street with the STOP paddle raised until the last child is safely across the street. While walking back to their position, the crossing guard should keep the STOP paddle held up until they are safely back on the sidewalk where they will wait for another group of children and another safe gap in traffic to repeat the process. Once all the children are safely out of the street and on the sidewalk, the crossing guard can return to their post. Crossing guards should be sure to watch for children rushing to join the group or for stragglers that may be entering the crosswalk separately from the rest of the group; if these children are too far behind the rest of the group, the crossing guard should instruct them to stop or wait. A crossing guard should not allow any cars to enter a crosswalk or crossing area that students are or will be using. If a motorist is not responding to the STOP paddle, the crossing guard should give several short blasts on whistle (if available) and point to the motorist so they are aware that they are the driver in violation. When the crossing guard has the motorist s attention, they should give one long whistle blast for a stop. If a motorist still fails to respond, the crossing guard should report the incident with license number and description of the car and driver to their supervisor. Crossing guards should not cross students if there is any traffic moving or if any vehicles are in the crosswalk. Pedestrian Crossing Devices Although signalized intersections would theoretically improve pedestrian crossings, pedestrians should not rely on the signal only and should still be aware of their surroundings and traffic that may be turning right on red or rolling through the crosswalk. If there is a pedestrian push button, push the button and wait for the walk signal. Have children wait a safe distance from the curb or behind the stand-back line if one is installed. Once the WALK signal appears, the crossing guard should walk into the crosswalk with the STOP paddle or stop-arm held high. The crossing guard should face oncoming traffic to make eye contact with drivers so that they can see any drivers trying to turn. Once traffic is stopped, the crossing guard should verbally instruct students to look left-right-left and over-the-shoulder before proceeding into the crosswalk. If the children are still walking when the WALK signal changes to DON T WALK, the children should be verbally instructed to continue walking through the crosswalk; do not allow anyone to start crossing once the DON T WALK signal has started flashing. Children should be taught that a flashing DON T WALK signal means that they should not start crossing the street if they haven t yet but that they may finish crossing the street if they have already started. Some pedestrian crossing devices may have countdown timers that show up during the flashing cycle. This countdown timer indicates to pedestrians how many more seconds they have to finish crossing the street. Children should still be instructed not to start crossing the street, even if they think they have enough time to make it across based on the countdown timer. The crossing guard should make sure all children reach the other side of the street safely and then continue back to their position with their STOP paddle or stoparm held high until they reach the safety of the sidewalk. Training Manual 13

17 Explanation of pedestrian crossing device signals. Questions? Training Manual 14

18 Adult School Crossing Guard Placement and Visibility Basic Assumptions for Adult School Crossing Guard Placement Some form of traffic control is essential when the number of safe gaps is less than one per minute. Students tend to become impatient when delays are excessive due to unsafe crossing conditions. Students generally will not walk out of their way to avoid traffic hazards. Considerations for Adult School Crossing Guard Placement There are several variables on how to decide where crossing guards should be placed. When starting new crossing guard programs, local lead organizations and agencies will have a general idea about the locations where crossing guards are needed the most but if there is doubt what locations would be most efficient, engineers may be consulted. These are some of the considerations they take into account: The age of the students who are crossing Generally, younger children need more assistance than older children because they have a more difficult time judging the speed and distance of approaching vehicles and may be tempted to cross during an unsafe gap. The width of the street and the number of lanes of traffic students must cross Wide streets with multiple lanes of traffic typically require the use of two or more adult school crossing guards. The sight distance at the crossing These conditions are measured from the student s and driver s perspectives and for actual vehicle operating speeds. Sight distance can be affected by temporary obstructions, such as parked vehicles and piled snow near the crossing. Safe gaps in traffic Are the gaps long enough and frequent enough to allow safe crossing opportunities? The ITE School Trip Safety Program Guidelines state that on the average, at least one adequate gap should occur each minute to allow for children to cross without undue delay or risk. However, other factors, such as volume of child pedestrians or pedestrian groups should also be considered when determining the need for adult school crossing guards or other traffic control. If traffic volumes during crossing hours do not correspond to enough safe gaps, some method to interrupt traffic should be considered, such as a crossing guard or traffic signal. Presence of traffic control devices, including traffic signals, signs, and pavement If present, are the traffic controls sufficient? For example, a signalized intersection at a school crossing location should have WALK/DON T WALK signals, and a pedestrian push button may also be appropriate. Crossing guards and students should be properly trained on traffic signals relative to safe street crossings. The speed of vehicles at the crossing Vehicles that travel faster require greater stopping distances, and younger children have more difficulty than adults judging the speed of a fast-approaching vehicle. Volumes of traffic and pedestrians Vehicle counts may be readily available, but pedestrian counts will likely need to be completed during this process. The number of students currently using pedestrian facilities as well as the projected pedestrian demand based on school demographics should be determined. The attendance boundary and walk zone for each school The distances that walk zones extend from schools as well as policies regarding the provision of bus service differ from community to community. Both can impact the number of children walking to school and the routes they take. Training Manual 15

19 The distance the crossing is from a school and the type of adjacent land use A crossing in close proximity to a school within a residential neighborhood may attract more student pedestrians than, for example, a crossing located further from a school surrounded by non-residential land uses. Crash history of the crossing The number of crashes as well as the type and time of day that each crash occurs at a specific location should be recorded and analyzed. Visibility Visibility is critical to the safety of both the crossing guards and the children. Visibility means two things: Being visible in the sense that crossing guards wear retro-reflective material (like their vest) alerting motorists that pedestrians are crossing or are about to cross the street. Being visible in the sense that a crossing guard s presence will help to deter unlawful or unsafe acts on the part of pedestrians and motorists. A crossing guard helps children cross the street by being highly visible to motorists through gestures, clothing, and equipment. These same visibility concepts help ensure that the crossing guard remains safe while performing his or her duties. A crossing guard should make absolutely sure that they have been seen before stepping into the roadway to begin crossing students. Before entering the roadway, it is important to make eye contact with the first driver in the line of cars that are about to be stopped. A crossing guard s equipment (retro-reflective vests and hand-held STOP paddles) increases their visibility to motorists while clearly communicating to motorists that pedestrians are about to enter the roadway and what subsequent actions they must take. The worst times for a pedestrian or bicyclist to be seen are night, dusk, and dawn when sun glare is at its worst, especially on east-west oriented roads; be sure to pay extra attention to both pedestrians and motorists at these times. Clothing That Helps with Visibility Crossing guards can help children learn to be more visible by encouraging them to wear bold and bright colors. Children can improve their visibility by wearing bright clothes with contrasting colors. The most visible colors are yellow, white, orange, hot pink, and bright green. Contrasting clothes (like those having contrasting colors like pink and blue, or contrasting patterns like stripes and polka-dots) are also helpful. The least visible clothing to motorists includes dark colors (black, brown, navy, forest green) and camouflage materials. Retro-reflective materials work best at night or in twilight conditions because they reflect light (such as from a car s headlights). (Source: Jen Spinosi, TranSystems) Visual Clutter Visual clutter, such as billboards and advertisements, can divert the motorist s attention. Visual barriers such as parked cars or sign/utility poles can also impair their vision. Many bicycle and pedestrian-related crashes occur because the motor vehicle driver did not see the pedestrian or bicyclist. One of the responsibilities of a crossing guard is to cut through this visual clutter and potential distractions to make sure that each lane of approaching traffic sees and recognizes that the crossing guard is about to cross Training Manual 16

20 students. The crossing guard s actions must be precise, firm and clear, following standard traffic control guidelines. Weather Affects Visibility Weather conditions dramatically affect the ability of drivers to see crossing guards and students. During rainy weather conditions, drivers attention is often distracted and their vision can be impaired, so they may not see pedestrians. Drivers also need more stopping distance in bad weather, so greater visibility is required. (See the Bad Weather section for more information on what do to in inclement weather.) Questions? Training Manual 17

21 Uniforms The supervising department may provide a department uniform or set a dress code. If a department uniform is used, it should be different from sworn law enforcement officers. Uniform/equipment items that are required for the school crossing guards are: Highly-visible, retro-reflective safety apparel labeled as ANSI standard performance for Class 2 (OMUTCD Section 7E.04). Retro-reflective STOP paddle as stated in the OMUTCD (OMUTCD Section 7E.05). A notepad and writing instrument to write down any infractions they see, information from accidents they witness, etc. Standard crossing guard uniform items. (Source: viz-con.com) Optional items that crossing guards may want to use include: Whistle. Retro-reflective or fluorescent gloves, preferably orange or yellow-green in color (OMUTCD Section 7E.04). Fluorescent raincoat for inclement weather. If a whistle is included as part of the uniform requirement, the crossing guard should use one long blow to signal traffic to stop and use two shorter blows to signal that traffic can go. Additionally, school districts or specified agencies may require uniform or certain colored slacks, skirts, or shorts depending on the weather conditions. In addition to the retro-reflective garment, a light colored shirt or jacket (as needed) may be worn in addition to a hat or visored cap which helps protect from UV radiation and enhances visibility. The retro-reflective vest should always be worn on top of any coat or raincoat to increase the crossing guard s visibility with motorists. Questions? Training Manual 18

22 Incident Reporting Crossing guards are not law enforcement officers, nor are they assigned for the purpose of enforcing traffic laws. However, the crossing guard is sometimes in a good position to observe infractions that can endanger others. A crossing guard should not concern themselves with minor infractions, but in the event of a major violation, the ability to describe the vehicle and license number or persons involved is very important. It is necessary for the crossing guard to be able to give an accurate description of the vehicle(s) and/or person(s) involved. This information should be written down in the notepad that is required as part of the crossing guard s uniform. In the event of a traffic crash or infraction, a crossing guard may be asked to provide information to law enforcement personnel. Types of incidents that crossing guards should look for include: Unsafe driver behaviors. Unsafe pedestrian behaviors. Unlawful parking. Construction interfering with safe crossing. Unsafe street conditions. Damaged signs. Poor visibility. Suspicious activity. Improper or lack of safety belt or bicycle helmet use. When appropriate, crossing guards should report violations and incidents that they witness to their supervisor and emergency personnel (they should have multiple motorists and passers-by call 911 to report serious incidents or the local police department s non-emergency number for less serious situations). Information required for reporting incidents includes: Color, body style, and model of the car. License plate number. Features of the driver. Time and day of incident. Information required for reporting persons includes: Sex. Race. Age. Clothing description. Hair color. Height & weight/body build. Direction of travel. Training Manual 19

23 Whom to Talk With In the event that an incident has occurred, the crossing guard should call their supervisor immediately after their assigned post time is over to advise them of what occurred at their post. They may talk to any law enforcement personnel that are present at an incident but should refer to their governing agency s guidelines when it comes to dealing with any media. Questions? Training Manual 20

24 Hazardous Conditions Hazardous conditions can endanger both the crossing guard and the children. Obstructions and unusual conditions near the crossing location can lead to high risk vehicle-pedestrian conflicts. Crossing guards should survey their location right before school starts to identify and report any hazardous conditions that can be corrected. Hazardous conditions include sidewalk obstructions, sign obstructions, standing or free flowing water in the pedestrian pathway, driver violations that threaten crossing safety, or disorderly behavior against a child. It is important to note that not all conditions may be correctable, but all hazards should still be reported. Hazards which can create sight obstructions may include but are not limited to: Parked cars or cars stopped in the roadway. Bushes or low-hanging tree branches. Signal controller boxes. Signs. Mail boxes. Benches. Hazards which can obstruct the pedestrian s walking path may include but are not limited to: Standing water or mud on the sidewalk. Broken pavement. Open drainage grates. Overgrown plants. Construction debris. Loose dogs. Obstructions. No sidewalks. Parents loading or unloading. Parked vehicles. Other hazards: Speeders. Inattentive motorists. Vehicles rolling through a crosswalk to turn right on red. If the crossing guard encounters a hazard creating a sight obstruction, they should position themselves around the sight obstruction, being sure to check for on-coming traffic before moving into this position. If there are hazards obstructing the walking path, make sure to divert pedestrian and bicycle traffic around this obstruction and find a safe alternate route. Pay close attention to traffic to make sure any other hazardous situations are avoided. Crossing guards must use personal judgment on conditions which they deem hazardous and, therefore, must report such conditions to their supervisor as soon as practical. Crossing guards should be aware of Training Manual 21

25 malfunctioning traffic or pedestrian signals, school zone signals, broken sidewalks, and damaged, worn, or missing traffic signs. If any of these are not functioning, the crossing guard should call their supervisor as soon as the hazard has been discovered to report it and obtain police assistance in directing traffic. If the light malfunctions during the crossing guard s post time, ask a motorist to call the local police agency and request assistance. If the signal phase needs adjusting, the crossing guard should report the problem as soon as possible. Non-emergency traffic violations witnessed by a crossing guard should be reported to the police after their shift is completed; crossing guards should use their notebook to write down the make, model, type, style, color, etc. of vehicles which endangered student safety, broke the law, or committed a crime. Crossing guards should also be alert to suspicious subjects in the area, such as an occupied parked car or a vehicle that repeatedly passes their location. Students may tell the crossing guards of suspicious subjects; the crossing guard should not treat this information as factual, but should still be cautious and look into the situation. In all of these cases, the crossing guard should notify his or her supervisor as soon as the shift ends. If the crossing guard feels that this situation needs immediate police attention, he or she should ask a motorist to call the local police agency for assistance. Remember, look for hazards at the children s level...they see an entirely different picture from 4 feet tall. Report hazards to a supervisor as soon as possible. Questions? Training Manual 22

26 Bad Weather Inclement weather tends to make people hurry and pay less attention. This applies to motorists as well as pedestrians. In bad weather, visibility is diminished and motorists cannot see pedestrians or bicyclists as well. Also, streets become slippery and stopping distances are increased. Traffic will increase as more parents drop off and pick up their children. For these reasons, it is critically important that crossing guards be alert and visible at their post during all weather conditions. Bad Weather Summary: Rain, snow, lightning, high winds, and fog are examples of hazardous weather. More stopping distance is needed for motorists when the weather is bad. Motorists cannot see bicycles, pedestrians and other motor vehicles as well. The crossing guard and the students cannot see as well. The crossing guards should not use umbrellas as they hamper hand and arm movement and decrease sight distance. The crossing guard should always wear a retro-reflective vest over a raincoat, even if the raincoat is fluorescent or brightly colored. Crossing guards may also use retro-reflective traffic cones in the roadway for added visibility in bad weather. Students tend to run and not pay attention in bad weather because they are concerned only about getting to school or home fast. The white material used to mark crosswalks can become extremely slippery when wet so the crossing guard and the children must be extremely cautious to avoid falling or slipping. Increased alertness, caution, and added visibility are necessary during bad weather. Crossing guards may want to use retro-reflective traffic cones in the roadway for added visibility in bad weather; they can also serve as a reference point during good weather. Traffic cones may enhance the crossing area, giving visual aids to motorists, if placed correctly. Consult traffic engineers for recommendations on correct placement. Questions? Training Manual 23

27 Emergency Situations In the event of an emergency while at their post, crossing guards must keep control of their post and ensure the safety of the children. A crossing guard s first responsibility is to protect the children, and then themselves, from unsafe situations. In the event of an emergency, a crossing guard must not leave their post. There are several types of emergency situations that can occur, including: Motor vehicle/pedestrian crash. Motor vehicle/bicycle crash. Motor vehicle/motor vehicle crash. Sudden illness. A child falling down and getting hurt. Procedures The same basic rules apply to all emergency situations. Crossing guards must: Keep control of their post and ensure the safety of the children. Remain at their post with the children until it is safe to cross again. Stop crossing the children until they have assessed the situation. If practical, the crossing guard may select another temporary crossing location with good visibility for crossing the children. If the crash is major (i.e. involving multiple vehicles), the crossing guard should resume crossing students only after receiving assistance from law enforcement to direct motorists around the crash scene. Group children together to maintain control of their post. Crossing guards may ask safety patrol members to assist them with this if they are available. Get multiple motorists to call 911 (if Safety Patrol members are available, send them to the school to call 911). Instruct motorists to give the closest intersection or cross street for the location and describe the situation to the 911 operator; also ask them to notify the school administration so they can assist with the children. Only render First Aid if properly trained to do so. Always notify their supervisor as soon as possible after emergency personnel have arrived of any emergency that may have occurred at their post. A crossing guard must assess the situation if a pedestrian gets injured. Not all crossing guards are trained in CPR or First Aid; therefore, crossing guards who are not properly trained should not attempt CPR or First Aid and should wait until emergency medical personnel arrive. Once help arrives, the crossing guard should help investigators with describing the incident and note any key points including any other vehicles or persons involved. After the victim is safely with emergency personnel and investigators are finished with questions, the crossing guard should notify their supervisor of the situation. Questions? Training Manual 24

28 First Aid The crossing guard shall not attempt to do anything that they are not trained or equipped to do. Crossing guards should be alerted to specific diseases that are transmitted through blood, known as Blood-borne (i.e. HIV and Hepatitis B). Some of these are deadly diseases so crossing guards should take care not to come in contact with any blood, including that which may come from bloody noses and skinned knees or elbows. Diseases that can be transmitted through air are called Airborne (i.e. Tuberculosis/TB). Emergency medical and law enforcement personnel have been instructed in Blood-borne/Airborne Pathogen Classes governed by federal law and given the proper equipment to deal with these types of emergencies. The standards for this instruction are mandated by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Ohio Department of Health. Questions? Training Manual 25

29 Public Image The adult school crossing guard is often the most visible and recognizable representative of both the school system and local law enforcement. If working for the local law enforcement agency, the crossing guard can sometimes be the only person affiliated with the law enforcement agency whom people will meet under pleasant circumstances. Crossing guards are also often the only law enforcement agency representative many citizens will see on a regular basis. Because many people do not make distinctions between different agencies, crossing guards serve as a liaison between the law enforcement agency, school, and the public. Therefore, a crossing guard s behavior and attitude is a very important part of their duty. A crossing guard should always be courteous and helpful with citizens. Because of this high visibility and responsibility as a role model, the adult school crossing guard should have an exemplary public image. Do s Arrive at your post 5 minutes before starting time to assess conditions, not to start crossing. Use every opportunity to reinforce proper crossing techniques and ensure that the children are using them. Demonstrate safe crossing procedures at all times, including using the proper search pattern. Have a neat appearance and keep clean and well-groomed. Always use proper equipment and wear appropriate attire for the occasion and weather. Use pedestrian traffic signals, if available. Maintain self-control and good conduct, acting in a way that will reflect positively on agency. Stand at your post at all times, even if no children are around. Be firm, yet pleasant and courteous. Don ts Do not begin crossing children before your duty period begins. If you re responsible for activating warning lights, do not turn them on before the scheduled crossing time. Never be absent or late without informing your supervisor as far as possible in advance. Never transfer your responsibilities to children, unless they are duties specified for Student Safety Patrol members. Never leave the crossing during your time of duty. Do not physically discipline the children. Do not attempt to discipline middle school students who are sassy or try to cross at a spot other than the designated crossing. Instead, enlist the help of school officials in dealing with the problem. Do not eat or drink while on duty. Do not smoke or use tobacco products while on duty. Do not use drugs or alcohol before or during duty. Do not sit at your post or in a vehicle while on duty. Never read newspapers or books, listen to a radio or headset, or watch television while on duty. Never purchase alcohol while in uniform. Do not park your vehicle in a location that may obstruct visibility or create a hazard. Do not arrive at your post too early or stay later than required. Training Manual 26

30 Additional Considerations If traffic cones are used, place only where directed by supervisor. Do not respond to requests or directives of school personnel, unless cleared by your supervisor. Call in any illness or delays as early as possible (two hours, if possible, will give a supervisor more time to find a replacement). Do not leave your post unattended. Always report any unusual or hazardous conditions to your supervisor, such as students, adults, and motorists not abiding by rules. Questions? Training Manual 27

31 Traffic Operations Factors Adult school crossing guards are in a unique position to check on markings and signage at their crossing location, even though they are not directly responsible for them. It is important, especially at the beginning of the school year, to check that the proper markings are visible and that the required signs are in place. They should check the accuracy of any signs with information about opening and closing times for their school. If flashing signals are used, be sure to check that those are working properly. Any problems seen should be reported to their supervisor. The Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (OMUTCD) states the standards for signage, signals, and markings that the crossing guard should refer to; these standards are included in the Administrative Resources section at the end of this manual. The following information summarizes the relevant sections of the OMUTCD: Signage Section 7B of the OMUTCD: School Crosswalk Warning Assembly Section 7B.09 SCHOOL BUS STOP/TURN AHEAD Signs Section 7B.10 School Speed Limit Assembly Section 7B.11 Reduced Speed School Zone Ahead Sign Section 7B.12 Sections 4D and 4E of the OMUTCD: Traffic signals, phases, timing Sections 4D.10 Pedestrian signals Sections 4E.01, 4E.07, 4E.08, 4E.09, and 4E.10 Meaning of Walk, Flashing Don t Walk, Steady Don t Walk Section 4E.02 Pavement Markings Section 7C of the OMUTCD: Crosswalk Markings Section 7C.03 Stop and Yield Lines Section 7C.04 Pavement Word and Symbol Markings Section 7C.06 Examples of the signage and pavement markings mentioned above can be seen in the Relevant Traffic Laws of the Administrative Resources section. Questions? Training Manual 28

32 Relevant Traffic Laws Crossing guards must know the relevant traffic laws that apply to pedestrians and bicyclists. Relevant statewide laws are included in their entirety in the Administrative Resources section at the end of this manual; relevant local laws should be provided to the crossing guard by their local governing agency. (If local laws are not provided, please check with officials from the local governing agency about where to find them.) Here is a summary of the most important laws: Motorists must yield to pedestrians on all turns. Motorists should obey the posted speed limits and should always be attentive and cautious when pedestrians are present, or are likely to be present, especially in school zones. Motorists must stop when school bus lights are flashing and the stop sign is extended on the driver s side of the bus. Motorists must yield to pedestrians on a sidewalk or within a crosswalk. Bicyclists must obey all traffic rules. Children should walk their bicycles across the marked crossing, following the crossing guard s directions. Pedestrians should use proper search techniques and never run across a crosswalk. There should be no parking near an intersection, especially one where children will be crossing. This means that crossing guards should park their vehicles so that they do not interfere with the safety of children or motorists. Crossing guards should make sure to report any issues of non-compliance that they witness with a supervisor. Questions? Training Manual 29

33 Legal and Risk Management Issues Legal limitations and liabilities may arise during a crossing guard s duty. It is important for crossing guards to be familiar with department policies and procedures and to always follow them. A crossing guard is responsible for putting their agency on notice when a potential problem exists. This should be accomplished through the crossing guard s immediate supervisor, unless the situation is an emergency in which case the crossing guard or a motorist should call 911 or the local emergency number. The crossing guard should always document the date, time, and problem for future reference. Also note who was notified and when. In general, crossing guards may be liable for damages resulting from a problem or hazard that they know to exist but fail to mention to the responsible agency or immediate supervisor. Good Samaritan Law Ohio has a Good Samaritan Law (Ohio Revised Code, Section ) that exempts persons who render emergency aid in good faith at the scene of an emergency from liability for civil damages, as long as there is no objection from the injured victim(s): Liability for emergency care. No person shall be liable in civil damages for administering emergency care or treatment at the scene of an emergency outside of a hospital, doctor s office, or other place having proper medical equipment, for acts performed at the scene of such emergency, unless such acts constitute willful or wanton misconduct. Nothing in this section applies to the administering of such care or treatment where the same is rendered for remuneration, or with the expectation of remuneration, from the recipient of such care or treatment or someone on his behalf. The administering of such care or treatment by one as a part of his duties as a paid member of any organization of law enforcement officers or fire fighters does not cause such to be a rendering for remuneration or expectation of remuneration. Despite this law, it is still important that crossing guards not attempt to provide first aid without proper training. All crossing guards should be familiar with their department s policy on this issue. Crossing guards are responsible only for their posted time. Arriving too early, leaving early, arriving late or leaving late could subject a crossing guard to liability. Crossing guards fall under the Ohio Revised Code s definition of an employee (O.R.C. Section (A)(1)) and, therefore, are included under Worker s Compensation laws. Any injury must be reported within 24 hours in order to be covered. Check on department policy regarding this issue. Worker s Compensation is in effect only during the hours of duty and does not include traveling time to and from the post. Training Manual 30

34 Notes on In-The-Field Training The second part of the Adult School Crossing Guard Training is an in-the-field portion that shows the crossing guards exactly how to carry out their responsibilities. For this part of the course, crossing guards will go through all the techniques they have learned during the in-class portion of this course by practicing them at a real (or simulated, if necessary) intersection. Crossing guards must properly demonstrate all aspects on the Performance Checklist (see the Administrative Resources section for an example checklist) in order to pass this section of the course. If a crossing guard cannot successfully complete any section by the end of the training, an additional practical training session should be scheduled within two weeks; the crossing guard must be able to successfully complete all items on the checklist after their second practical training session. Crossing guards should be notified individually of the outcome of their practical training session so that this information remains private to the individual and is not known by the rest of the class. In-the-field training consists of two parts: practical training and an on-site observation. Practical Training Before the crossing guards start their in-the-field training, demonstrate all the proper crossing procedures yourself while explaining what you are doing. If necessary, refer to the graphics in the manual to help explain the general guidelines. Make sure that the crossing guards know that different strategies may be required at intersections or for crossings that have specific problems; if this is the case, the crossing guard s supervisor should determine the appropriate strategy while still following the overall guidelines provided here. Once you have finished demonstrating the proper procedures, have all of the crossing guards take turns practicing the procedures themselves. As the crossing guards practice the crossing procedure, the instructor will observe and coach them on any problems they are having. On-Site Observation The other part of the in-the-field training comes at a date after the first two sections of the course (the in-class and practical training portions). Once the crossing guard has completed the in-class and practical in-the-field training sections, they will need to be observed and evaluated in the field before they officially complete their training. Prior to conducting their duty alone, the crossing guard s supervisor (or another already-trained crossing guard) must observe the crossing guard in action. The crossing guard should be stationed at a post with another, experienced crossing guard so that they are not alone until they have passed this section of their training. The crossing guard s supervisor (or whoever is administering the on-site observation) will have a new Performance Checklist to evaluate the crossing guard at the on-site observation. The crossing guard must again demonstrate that they know and can perform every aspect on the checklist in order to complete this section and complete their training. The on-site observation should last for at least 30 minutes. Training Manual 31

35 REFERENCES Between the Lines: Adult School Crossing Guard Training. AAA Michigan and AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, (VHS). Children in Traffic. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, (VHS). Colorado Department of Transportation. Adult School Crossing Guard Guidelines. CrossingGuardTrainingManual. Florida Department of Transportation Safety Office. Florida School Crossing Guard Training Guidelines Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and The Kansas School Crossing Guard Committee. Kansas Guidelines for School Crossing Guards National Center for Safe Routes to School and the Pedestrian & Bicycle Information Center. Adult School Crossing Guidelines North Carolina Department of Transportation. Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation. North Carolina School Crossing Guard Program Ohio Department of Transportation. Office of Traffic Engineering. Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (OMUTCD) edition (revised 2009). US Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration. Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) edition. References 32

36 ADMINISTRATIVE RESOURCES In-Class Written Exam In-Class Written Exam Answer Key In-Class Performance Checklist On-Site Performance Checklist Information on Related Programs Relevant Traffic Laws

37 ODOT CROSSING GUARD TRAINING PROGRAM IN-CLASS WRITTEN EXAM Name: Date: Read the following twenty (20) statements. Indicate whether the statement is True (T) or False (F) in the space provided to the left. (Passing this exam indicates that you have paid attention throughout this course; it does not provide you with any ODOT certifications.) 1. In the event of an emergency while you are on duty, you must immediately find a telephone and call If a crash occurs at the crossing location, your job is to stop crossing students until a law enforcement officer arrives at the scene. 3. If there has been an emergency at your crossing location, at least one motorist should be alerted to call When alerting pedestrians to cross, your signal should be verbal only. 5. Children are different from adults because they have less peripheral vision and tend to focus on one event or thought at a time. 6. Children tend to overestimate their abilities in traffic and treasure near misses. 7. A crossing guard should be positioned on the opposite side of the road, from the children, so the guard can see them coming. 8. A crossing guard's first concern is the safety of the students. 9. You may sit in your car as long as students are not present. 10. The main responsibility of a school crossing guard is to use or create gaps in the traffic so the students can cross the streets. 11. When you cross the students across the street, you will not leave the center of the street until the last student has stepped onto the far curb. 12. You may start to cross the children in the middle of a green light cycle. 13. You should perform a proper search pattern each time you begin to cross the students. 14. Students are permitted to run across the street as long as they stay inside the crosswalk. 15. If there are no approaching vehicles while you are crossing students, it is not necessary to give the signal to alert motorists. 16. When children are in the crosswalk, vehicles are permitted in the crosswalk as long as they do not interfere with the pedestrian traffic. 17. All bicycles will be walked across the street at your crossing. 18. You always use pedestrian walk/don't walk signals, if available. 19. A guard should remind students to perform the proper search pattern before they enter the roadway upon your command. 20. A school crossing guard should play an important role in educating students in bicycle and pedestrian safety.

38 ODOT CROSSING GUARD TRAINING PROGRAM IN-CLASS WRITTEN EXAM ANSWER KEY True / False False True True False True True False True False True True False True False False False True True True True 1. In the event of an emergency while you are on duty, you must immediately find a telephone and call If a crash occurs at the crossing location, your job is to stop crossing students until a law enforcement officer arrives at the scene. 3. If there has been an emergency at your crossing location, at least one motorist should be alerted to call When alerting pedestrians to cross, your signal should be verbal only. 5. Children are different from adults because they have less peripheral vision and tend to focus on one event or thought at a time. 6. Children tend to overestimate their abilities in traffic and treasure near misses. 7. A crossing guard should be positioned on the opposite side of the road, from the children, so the guard can see them coming. 8. A crossing guard's first concern is the safety of the students. 9. You may sit in your car as long as students are not present. 10. The main responsibility of a school crossing guard is to use or create gaps in the traffic so the students can cross the streets. 11. When you cross the students across the street, you will not leave the center of the street until the last student has stepped onto the far curb. 12. You may start to cross the children in the middle of a green light cycle. 13. You should perform a proper search pattern each time you begin to cross the students. 14. Students are permitted to run across the street as long as they stay inside the crosswalk. 15. If there are no approaching vehicles while you are crossing students, it is not necessary to give the signal to alert motorists. 16. When children are in the crosswalk, vehicles are permitted in the crosswalk as long as they do not interfere with the pedestrian traffic. 17. All bicycles will be walked across the street at your crossing. 18. You always use pedestrian walk/don't walk signals, if available. 19. A guard should remind students to perform the proper search pattern before they enter the roadway upon your command. 20. A school crossing guard should play an important role in educating students in bicycle and pedestrian safety.

39 ODOT CROSSING GUARD TRAINING PROGRAM IN-CLASS PERFORMANCE CHECKLIST Guard s Name: School District or School: For each task performed, rate the guard satisfactory ("S") or unsatisfactory ("U") in the appropriate box. Enter specific comments in the column to the right of the task. The guard is wearing the complete uniform adopted by the employing agency, in conformance with ODOT guidelines. The guard has brought all assigned equipment (vest, STOP paddle, notepad, etc.) and uses it properly. The guard demonstrates understanding of the function of pedestrian signals, traffic signals, and crosswalks. The guard appears alert and attentive to potential hazards in the crossing zone area. The guard displays interest in overall safety of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The guard is correctly positioned at the edge of the roadway in front of children prior to crossing. The guard demonstrates the proper search pattern (left, right, left and over-the-shoulder if necessary) before entering the roadway. The guard ensures that children remain on the sidewalk or at the edge of the roadway until they are told to cross, or makes sure the Safety Patrol does this if they are present. The guard is properly positioned in the roadway for maximum visibility. The guard makes sure that all motor vehicle traffic has stopped on the roadway that will be crossed before allowing students to cross. The guard instructs children to cross behind him/her, or instructs the Safety Patrol to direct children to cross. The guard remains in the intersection until all children have safely crossed the roadway. Practical Training (S / U) Comments In-Class Training (Date or N/A): The guard successfully completed the In-Class portion of the training process with a score of % on the final exam. Trainer's Signature: Printed Name: Practical Training (Date or N/A): Trainer's Signature: Additional Comments: Printed Name:

40 ODOT CROSSING GUARD TRAINING PROGRAM ON-SITE PERFORMANCE CHECKLIST Guard s Name: School District or School: For each task performed, rate the guard satisfactory ("S") or unsatisfactory ("U") in the appropriate box. Enter specific comments in the column to the right of the task. The guard is wearing the complete uniform adopted by the employing agency, in conformance with ODOT guidelines. The guard has brought all assigned equipment (vest, STOP paddle, notepad, etc.) and uses it properly. The guard demonstrates understanding of the function of pedestrian signals, traffic signals, and crosswalks. The guard appears alert and attentive to potential hazards in the crossing zone area. The guard displays interest in overall safety of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The guard is correctly positioned at the edge of the roadway in front of children prior to crossing. The guard demonstrates the proper search pattern (left, right, left and over-the-shoulder if necessary) before entering the roadway. The guard ensures that children remain on the sidewalk or at the edge of the roadway until they are told to cross, or makes sure the Safety Patrol does this if they are present. The guard is properly positioned in the roadway for maximum visibility. The guard makes sure that all motor vehicle traffic has stopped on the roadway that will be crossed before allowing students to cross. The guard instructs children to cross behind him/her, or instructs the Safety Patrol to direct children to cross. The guard remains in the intersection until all children have safely crossed the roadway. On-Site Observation (S / U) On-Site Observation (Date or N/A): Trainer's Signature: Additional Comments: Comments Printed Name:

41 INFORMATION ON RELATED PROGRAMS ODOT s School Travel Plan (STP) Development The goal of Ohio's Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program is to assist communities in developing and implementing projects and programs that encourage and enable children in grades k-8, including those with disabilities to walk or bike to school safely. In Ohio, communities are required to develop a School Travel Plan (STP) in order to receive Ohio SRTS funds. If you are interested in learning more about Ohio s SRTS program and the STP development process, visit: Walking School Bus Programs ODOT offers free, on-site Walking School Bus Training to local government agencies (including school districts) in Ohio. For more information or to schedule a class on Walking School Bus Training, please contact the LTAP office via at ltap@dot.state.oh.us, via phone at (Raymond Brushart) or (Mike Fitch), or visit the Circuit Rider section of Ohio s Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) Center s website: Additional information on Walking School Buses can be found on the following websites: The National Center for Safe Routes to School s Walking School Bus program information The National Center for Safe Routes to School s Walking School Bus Training WalkingSchoolBus.org Walk and Bike to School AAA School Safety Patrol Program Since 1920, the AAA School Safety Patrol program has provided millions of schoolchildren with a safer pedestrian environment. Nearly 600,000 students serve in more than 30,000 schools across the United States. There are over 6,000 students serving in the state of Ohio assisting crossing guards, serving as school bus aides, hall monitors and guiding young students to and from the classroom. As part of AAA s ongoing commitment to safety, necessary supplies and support are donated to schools or offered at discounted rates. For more information on beginning a program at your school, please contact Whitney Mason, Youth Traffic Safety Manager for the AAA Ohio Auto Club, at or wmason@aaaohio.com. You can also get more information by visiting the AAA School Safety Patrol website at

42 RELEVANT TRAFFIC LAWS Ohio Traffic Laws... 1 OMUTCD Crossing Guard Regulations... 5 OMUTCD Part 7. Traffic Controls for School Areas... 8 OMUTCD Chapter 4E. Pedestrian Control Features... 24

43 Ohio Traffic Laws The following laws cited pertain to pedestrians, bicyclists, motor vehicles, and school zones. They are from the Ohio Revised Code (O.R.C.) Speed limits - assured clear distance. Section (B)(1)(a) Twenty miles per hour in school zones during school recess and while children are going to or leaving school during the opening or closing hours, and when twenty miles per hour school speed limit signs are erected; except that, on controlled-access highways and expressways, if the right-of-way line fence has been erected without pedestrian opening, the speed shall be governed by division (B)(4) of this section and on freeways, if the right-of-way line fence has been erected without pedestrian opening, the speed shall be governed by divisions (B)(9) and (10) of this section. The end of every school zone may be marked by a sign indicating the end of the zone. Nothing in this section or in the manual and specifications for a uniform system of traffic control devices shall be construed to require school zones to be indicated by signs equipped with flashing or other lights, or giving other special notice of the hours in which the school zone speed limit is in effect Right-of-way of pedestrian on sidewalk. Section (A) The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian on a sidewalk Right-of-way of pedestrian within crosswalk. Section (A) When traffic control signals are not in place, not in operation, or are not clearly assigning the right-of-way, the driver of a vehicle, trackless trolley, or streetcar shall yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield or if required by section of the Revised Code, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger. Section (B) No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle, trackless trolley, or streetcar which is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. Section (C) Division (A) of this section does not apply under the conditions stated in division (B) of section of the Revised Code. Section (D) Whenever any vehicle, trackless trolley, or streetcar is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle, trackless trolley, or streetcar approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle Right-of-way yielded by pedestrian. Section (A) Every pedestrian crossing 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, trackless trolleys, or streetcars upon the roadway. Relevant Laws 1

44 Section (B) Any pedestrian crossing a roadway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided shall yield the right of way to all traffic upon the roadway. Section (C) Between adjacent intersections at which traffic control signals are in operation, pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk. Section (D) No pedestrian shall cross a roadway intersection diagonally unless authorized by official traffic control devices; and, when authorized to cross diagonally, pedestrians shall cross only in accordance with the official traffic control devices pertaining to such crossing movements. Section (E) This section does not relieve the operator of a vehicle, streetcar, or trackless trolley from exercising due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway Operation of bicycles, motorcycles and snowmobiles. Section (B) No person operating a bicycle shall ride other than upon or astride the permanent and regular seat attached thereto or carry any other person upon such bicycle other than upon a firmly attached and regular seat thereon, and no person shall ride upon a bicycle other than upon such a firmly attached and regular seat. No person operating a motorcycle shall ride other than upon or astride the permanent and regular seat or saddle attached thereto, or carry any other person upon such motorcycle other than upon a firmly attached and regular seat or saddle thereon, and no person shall ride upon a motorcycle other than upon such a firmly attached and regular seat or saddle. No person shall ride upon a motorcycle that is equipped with a saddle other than while sitting astride the saddle, facing forward, with one leg on each side of the motorcycle. No person shall ride upon a motorcycle that is equipped with a seat other than while sitting upon the seat. No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle, or article that prevents the driver from keeping at least one hand upon the handle bars. No bicycle or motorcycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped, nor shall any motorcycle be operated on a highway when the handle bars or grips are more than fifteen inches higher than the seat or saddle for the operator. No person shall operate or be a passenger on a snowmobile or motorcycle without using safety glasses or other protective eye device. No person who is under the age of eighteen years, or who holds a motorcycle operator s endorsement or license bearing a novice designation that is currently in effect as provided in section of the Revised Code, shall operate a motorcycle on a highway, or be a passenger on a motorcycle, unless wearing a protective helmet on the person s head, and no other person shall be a passenger on a motorcycle operated by such a person unless similarly wearing a protective helmet. The helmet, safety glasses, or other protective eye device shall conform with regulations prescribed and promulgated by the director of public safety. The provisions of this paragraph or a violation thereof shall not be used in the trial of any civil action. Section (C) Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the carrying of a child in a seat or trailer that is designed for carrying children and is firmly attached to the bicycle. Relevant Laws 2

45 Operating bicycles and motorcycles on roadway. Section (A) Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable obeying all traffic rules applicable to vehicles and exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction. Section (B) Persons riding bicycles or motorcycles upon a roadway shall ride not more than two abreast in a single lane, except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles or motorcycles. Section (C) This section does not require a person operating a bicycle to ride at the edge of the roadway when it is unreasonable or unsafe to do so. Conditions that may require riding away from the edge of the roadway include when necessary to avoid fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, surface hazards, or if it otherwise is unsafe or impracticable to do so, including if the lane is too narrow for the bicycle and an overtaking vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane Parking - prohibited acts. Section (A) No person shall stand or park a trackless trolley or vehicle, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or to comply with sections to , , and to of the Revised Code, or while obeying the directions of a police officer or a traffic control device, in any of the following places: (1) On a sidewalk, except a bicycle; (2) In front of a public or private driveway; (3) Within an intersection; (4) Within ten feet of a fire hydrant; (5) On a crosswalk; (6) Within twenty feet of a crosswalk at an intersection; (7) Within thirty feet of, and upon the approach to, any flashing beacon, stop sign, or traffic control device; (8) Between a safety zone and the adjacent curb or within thirty feet of points on the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone, unless a different length is indicated by a traffic control device; (9) Within fifty feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing; (10) Within twenty feet of a driveway entrance to any fire station and, on the side of the street opposite the entrance to any fire station, within seventy-five feet of the entrance when it is properly posted with signs; (11) Alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when such standing or parking would obstruct traffic; (12) Alongside any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street; (13) Upon any bridge or elevated structure upon a highway, or within a highway tunnel; (14) At any place where signs prohibit stopping; (15) Within one foot of another parked vehicle; (16) On the roadway portion of a freeway, expressway, or thruway Driving on sidewalk. Section (A) No person shall drive any vehicle, other than a bicycle, upon a sidewalk or sidewalk area except upon a permanent or duly authorized temporary driveway. Relevant Laws 3

46 Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting local authorities from regulating the operation of bicycles within their respective jurisdictions, except that no local authority may require that bicycles be operated on sidewalks Stopping for stopped school bus. Section (A) The driver of a vehicle, streetcar, or trackless trolley upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school child, person attending programs offered by community boards of mental health and county boards of developmental disabilities, or child attending a program offered by a head start agency, shall stop at least ten feet from the front or rear of the school bus and shall not proceed until such school bus resumes motion, or until signaled by the school bus driver to proceed. It is no defense to a charge under this division that the school bus involved failed to display or be equipped with an automatically extended stop warning sign as required by division (B) of this section. Section (B) Every school bus shall be equipped with amber and red visual signals meeting the requirements of section of the Revised Code, and an automatically extended stop warning sign of a type approved by the state board of education, which shall be actuated by the driver of the bus whenever but only whenever the bus is stopped or stopping on the roadway for the purpose of receiving or discharging school children, persons attending programs offered by community boards of mental health and county boards of developmental disabilities, or children attending programs offered by head start agencies. A school bus driver shall not actuate the visual signals or the stop warning sign in designated school bus loading areas where the bus is entirely off the roadway or at school buildings when children or persons attending programs offered by community boards of mental health and county boards of developmental disabilities are loading or unloading at curbside or at buildings when children attending programs offered by head start agencies are loading or unloading at curbside. The visual signals and stop warning sign shall be synchronized or otherwise operated as required by rule of the board. Section (C) Where a highway has been divided into four or more traffic lanes, a driver of a vehicle, streetcar, or trackless trolley need not stop for a school bus approaching from the opposite direction which has stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school child, persons attending programs offered by community boards of mental health and county boards of developmental disabilities, or children attending programs offered by head start agencies. The driver of any vehicle, streetcar, or trackless trolley overtaking the school bus shall comply with division (A) of this section. Section (D) School buses operating on divided highways or on highways with four or more traffic lanes shall receive and discharge all school children, persons attending programs offered by community boards of mental health and county boards of developmental disabilities, and children attending programs offered by head start agencies on their residence side of the highway. Section (E) No school bus driver shall start the driver s bus until after any child, person attending programs offered by community boards of mental health and county boards of developmental disabilities, or child attending a program offered by a head start agency who may have alighted therefrom has reached a place of safety on the child s or person s residence side of the road. Relevant Laws 4

47 OMUTCD Crossing Guard Regulations Section 7E.01 Types of Crossing Supervision Support: There are two types of school crossing supervision: A. Adult control of pedestrians and vehicles by adult crossing guards or uniformed law enforcement officers; and B. Student control of only pedestrians with student patrols. Information for the organization, operation, and administration of an adult crossing guard program are given in Civilian Guards For School Crossings (available from the Center for Public Safety of Northwestern University, 405 Church Street, Evanston, IL 60204) and Adult School Crossing Guards (available from the American Automobile Association, 1000 AAA Drive, Heathrow, FL 32746). Information for the organization, administration and operation of a student patrol program are given in Policies and Practices for School Safety Patrols (available from the American Automobile Association, 1000 AAA Drive, Heathrow, FL 32746). Section 7E.02 Adult Crossing Guards Option: Adult crossing guards may be used to provide gaps in traffic at school crossings where an engineering study has shown that adequate gaps need to be created (see Section 7A.03), and where authorized by law. Adult crossing guards should be special law enforcement officers appointed by the local law enforcement agency. The local law enforcement agency should be responsible for selection, training and supervision of adult crossing guards. Section 7E.03 Qualifications of Adult Crossing Guards Support: High standards for selection of adult crossing guards are essential. Guidance: Adult crossing guards should possess the following qualifications: A. Average intelligence; B. Good physical condition, including sight, hearing, and mobility; C. Mental alertness; D. Neat appearance; E. Good character; F. Dependability; and G. Sense of responsibility for safety of students. Section 7E.04 Uniform of Adult Crossing Guards and Student Patrols Guidance: Adult crossing guards should be uniformed so that road users and pedestrians can recognize them and respond to their signals. The uniforms should be distinctively different from those worn by regular law enforcement officers. Standard: Adult crossing guards shall wear high-visibility retroreflective safety apparel labeled as ANSI standard performance for Class 2 as described in Section 6E.02. Student patrols shall wear high-visibility retroreflective safety apparel labeled as ANSI standard performance for Class 1 as described in Section 6E.02. Guidance: Law enforcement officers should wear high-visibility retroreflective material over their uniforms when directing nighttime operations. Relevant Laws 5

48 Section 7E.05 Operating Procedures for Adult Crossing Guards Guidance: Adult crossing guards should not direct traffic in the usual law enforcement regulatory sense. In the control of traffic, they should pick opportune times to create a reasonably safe gap. At these times, they should stand in the roadway to indicate that pedestrians are about to use or are using the crosswalk, and that all vehicular traffic must stop. Adult crossing guards should use a STOP paddle. The STOP paddle should be the primary handsignaling device. Standard: The STOP paddle shall be an octagonal shape. The background of the STOP face shall be red with at least 150 mm (6 in) series capital white letters and border. The paddle shall be at least 450 mm (18 in) in size and have the word message STOP on both sides. The paddle shall be retroreflectorized or illuminated when used during hours of darkness. Option: The STOP paddle may be modified to improve conspicuity by incorporating red or white flashing lights on both sides of the paddle. The red or white flashing lights may be arranged in any of the following patterns: A. Two red or white lights centered vertically above and below the STOP legend; B. Two red or white lights centered horizontally on each side of the STOP legend; C. One red or white light centered below the STOP legend; or D. A series of eight or more small red or white lights no larger than 6 mm (0.25 in) in diameter along the outer edge of the paddle, arranged in an octagonal pattern at the eight corners of the STOP paddle. More than eight lights may be used only if the arrangement of the lights is such that it clearly conveys the octagonal shape of the STOP paddle. E. A series of white lights forming the shapes of the letters in the legend. Standard: If flashing lights are used on the STOP paddle, the flash rate shall be at least 50, but not more than 60, flash periods per minute. Section 7E.06 Uniformed Law Enforcement Officers Option: Uniformed law enforcement officers may be used for school crossing supervision. Guidance: Uniformed law enforcement officers should be used for school crossing supervision on a temporary basis in emergency situations or at very hazardous school crossings where the use of adult crossing guards is not feasible. Section 7E.07 Student Patrols Guidance: Student patrols should be authorized by the local school board. School authorities should be responsible for organizing, instructing and supervising patrols with the assistance of the local law enforcement agency. Option: Student patrols may be used to direct and control pedestrians at crossings near schools where adequate gaps in traffic occur frequently enough so that gaps do not need to be created. Student patrols may be used to direct and control pedestrians at signalized intersections where turning movements are not a significant problem, and may be used to assist adult crossing guards in the control of pedestrians at crossing locations used by large numbers of pedestrians. Guidance: Student patrols should not be responsible for directing vehicular traffic. They should not function as uniformed law enforcement officers or adult crossing guards. Relevant Laws 6

49 Section 7E.08 Choice of Student Patrols Guidance: Student patrols should be carefully selected. They should be students from the fifth grade or higher. Leadership and reliability should be determining qualities for patrol membership. Parental approval should be obtained in writing before a student is used as a member of a student patrol. Section 7E.09 Operating Procedures for Student Patrols Guidance: Student patrols should use a flagging device to stop pedestrians behind the curb or edge of the roadway, and should allow them to cross only when there is an adequate gap in traffic. Standard: Flagging devices used during periods of twilight or darkness shall be retroreflective or illuminated. Because they are not authorized to direct vehicular traffic, student patrols shall not use a STOP paddle. Relevant Laws 7

50 OMUTCD Part 7. Traffic Controls for School Areas Chapter 7A. General Section 7A.01 Need for Standards Support: It is important to stress that regardless of the school location, the best way to achieve reasonably safe and effective traffic control is through the uniform application of realistic policies, practices, and standards developed through engineering judgment. Pedestrian safety depends upon public understanding of accepted methods for efficient traffic control. This principle is especially important in the control of pedestrians, bicycles, and other vehicles in the vicinity of schools. Neither pedestrians on their way to or from school nor road users can be expected to move safely in school areas unless they understand both the need for traffic controls and how these controls function for their benefit. Procedures and devices that are not uniform might cause confusion among pedestrians and other road users, prompt wrong decisions, and contribute to crashes. To achieve uniformity of traffic control in school areas, comparable traffic situations need to be treated in a consistent manner. Each traffic control device and control method described in Part 7 fulfills a specific function related to specific traffic conditions. A uniform approach to school area traffic controls assures the use of similar controls for similar situations (which promotes uniform behavior on the part of motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists). A school traffic control plan permits the orderly review of school area traffic control needs, and the coordination of school/pedestrian safety education and engineering activities. Guidance: A school route plan for each school serving elementary to high school students should be prepared in order to develop uniformity in the use of school area traffic controls and to serve as the basis for a school traffic control plan for each school. The school route plan, developed in a systematic manner by the school, law enforcement, and traffic officials responsible for school pedestrian safety, should consist of a map (see Figure 7A-1) showing streets, the school, existing traffic controls, established school walk routes, and established school crossings. The type(s) of school area traffic control devices used, either warning or regulatory, should be related to the volume and speed of vehicular traffic, street width, and the number and age of the students using the crossing. School area traffic control devices should be included in a school traffic control plan. Support: Reduced speed limit signs for school areas and crossings are included in this Manual solely for the purpose of standardizing signing for these zones and not as an endorsement of mandatory reduced speed zones. Section 7A.02 School Routes and Established School Crossings Support: The planning criterion for school walk routes might make it necessary for children to walk an indirect route to an established school crossing located where there is existing traffic control and to avoid the use of a direct crossing where there is no existing traffic control. Guidance: School walk routes should be planned to take advantage of existing traffic controls. The following factors should be considered when determining the feasibility of requiring children to walk a longer distance to a crossing with existing traffic control: Relevant Laws 8

51 A. The availability of adequate sidewalks or off-roadway sidewalk areas to and from the location with existing control; B. The number of students using the crossing; C. The age levels of the students using the crossing; and D. The total extra walking distance. Section 7A.03 School Crossing Control Criteria Support: Alternate gaps and blockades are inherent in the traffic stream and are different at each crossing location. For safety, students need to wait for a gap in traffic that is of sufficient duration to permit reasonably safe crossing. When the delay between the occurrence of adequate gaps becomes excessive, students might become impatient and endanger themselves by attempting to cross the street during an inadequate gap. A recommended method for determining the frequency and adequacy of gaps in the traffic stream is given in the Institute of Transportation Engineers publication, School Trip Safety Program Guidelines (see Section 1A.11). Section 7A.04 Scope Standard: Part 7 sets forth basic principles and prescribes standards that shall be followed in the design, application, installation, and maintenance of all traffic control devices (including signs, signals, and markings) and other controls (including adult crossing guards, student patrols, and grade-separated crossings) required for the special pedestrian conditions in school areas. Option: In-roadway signs for school traffic control areas may be used consistent with the requirements of Sections 2B.12, 7B.08, and 7B.09. Support: Requirements discussed in Chapter 2A and Section 2B.05 are applicable in school areas. Section 7A.05 Application of Standards Support: Sections 1A.02 and 1A.07 contain information regarding the application of standards. Section 7A.06 Engineering Study Required Support: Section 1A.09 contains information regarding engineering studies. Section 7A.07 Maintenance of Traffic Control Devices Support: Section 1A.05 contains information regarding the maintenance of traffic control devices. Section 7A.08 Placement Authority Support: Section 1A.08 contains information regarding placement authority for traffic control devices. Section 7A.09 Unauthorized Devices and Messages Support: Sections 1A.01 and 1A.08 contain information regarding unauthorized devices and messages. Section 7A.10 Meaning of Standard, Guidance, Option, and Support Support: The introduction to this Manual contains information regarding the meaning of the headings Standard, Guidance, Option, and Support, and the use of the words shall, should, and may. Relevant Laws 9

52 Chapter 7B. Signs Section 7B.01 Size of School Signs Standard: The sizes of signs and plaques to be used on conventional roadways in school areas shall be as shown in Table 7B-1. Relevant Laws 10

53 The Conventional Road sign size shall be used on public roads, streets, and highways unless engineering judgment determines that a Minimum or Oversized sign size would be more appropriate. The Oversized sign size shall be used on expressways. Option: The Oversized sign size may be used for applications that require increased emphasis, improved recognition, or increased legibility. The Minimum sign size may be used on local residential streets, in urban areas, and where there are low traffic volumes and low vehicle speeds, as determined by engineering judgment. Section 7B.02 Illumination and Reflectorization Standard: The signs used for school area traffic control shall be retroreflectorized or illuminated. Section 7B.03 Position of Signs Guidance: Signs should be placed in positions where they will convey their messages most effectively without restricting lateral clearance or sight distances. Placement therefore should consider highway design, alignment, vehicle speed, and roadside development. Signs should have a maximum practical clearance from the edge of the traveled way for the safety of vehicles that might leave the roadway and strike the sign supports. Except as noted in the Option, signs should not be closer than 1.8 m (6 ft) from the edge of a paved shoulder, or if none, 3.7 m (12 ft) from the edge of the traveled way. Option: In urban areas, a lesser clearance of not less than 0.6 m (2 ft) from the face of the curb may be used. In urban areas, where sidewalk width is limited or existing poles are close to the curb, a clearance of 0.3 m (I ft) from the curb face may be used. Section 7B.04 Height of Signs Support: Section 2A.18 contains information regarding the mounting height of signs. Section 7B.05 Installation of Signs Support: Section 2A.16 contains information regarding the installation of signs. Section 7B.06 Lettering Support: The Sign Design Manual (SDM) (see Section 1A.11) contains information regarding sign lettering. Relevant Laws 11

54 Table 7B-1. Size of School Area Signs and Plaques Relevant Laws 12

55 Section 7B.07 Sign Color for School Warning Signs Standard: Except as noted in the Option, school warning signs shall have a yellow background with a black legend and border unless otherwise stated in this Manual for a specific sign. Option: All school warning signs in addition to the following signs may have a fluorescent yellow-green background with a black legend and border: A. School Advance Warning sign (S1-1); B. SCHOOL BUS STOP/TURN AHEAD signs (S3-1, S3-H2); C. SCHOOL plaque (S4-3); D. The SCHOOL portion of the School Speed Limit signs (S5-1, S5-H3, S5-H4, S5-H5); E. XXX FEET plaque (W16-2 series); F. AHEAD plaque (W16-9p); G. Diagonal Arrow plaque (W16-7p); and H. Reduced Speed School Zone Ahead sign (S4-5, S4-5a). Guidance: When the fluorescent yellow-green background color is used, a systematic approach featuring one background color within a zone or area should be used. The mixing of standard yellow and fluorescent yellow-green backgrounds within a zone or area should be avoided. Section 7B.08 School Advance Warning Assembly (S1-1 with Supplemental Plaque) Guidance: The School Advance Warning assembly (see Figure 7B-1) should be installed in advance of locations where school buildings or grounds are adjacent to the highway, except where a physical barrier such as fencing separates school children from the highway. Standard: The School Advance Warning assembly shall be used in advance of any installation of the School Crosswalk Warning assembly (see Figure 7B-2), or the School Speed Limit assembly (see Figure 7B-3). If used, the School Advance Warning assembly shall be installed not less than 45 m (150 ft) nor more than 210 m (700 ft) in advance of the school grounds, school crossings, or School Speed Limit assembly (see Figure 7B-1). If used, the School Advance Warning assembly shall consist of a School Advance Warning (S1-1) sign supplemented with a plaque with the legend AHEAD (W16-9p) or XXX FEET (W16-2 or W16-2a) to provide advance notice to road users of crossing activity. Option: A 300 mm (12 in) reduced size in-street School Advance Warning (S1-1) sign (see Figure 7B-4), installed in compliance with the mounting height and breakaway requirements for In-Street Pedestrian Crossing (R1-6 or R1-6a) signs (see Section 2B.12), may be used in advance of a school crossing to supplement the ground-mounted school warning signs. A 300 x 150 mm (12 x 6 in) reduced size AHEAD (W16-9p) plaque may be mounted below the reduced size in-street School Advance Warning (S1-1) sign. Relevant Laws 13

56 Figure 7B-1. School Area Signs Relevant Laws 14

57 Figure 7B-2. Examples of Signing for School Crosswalk Warning Assembly Relevant Laws 15

58 Figure 7B-3. Examples of Signing for School Area Traffic Control with School Speed Limits Relevant Laws 16

59 Figure 7B-4. In-Street Signs in School Areas Section 7B.09 School Crosswalk Warning Assembly (S1-1 with Diagonal Arrow) Standard: If used, the School Crosswalk Warning assembly (see Figure 7B-1) shall be installed at the marked crosswalk, or as close to it as possible, and shall consist of a School Advance Warning (S1-1) sign supplemented with a diagonal downward pointing arrow (W16-7p) plaque to show the location of the crossing. The School Crosswalk Warning assembly shall not be used at marked crosswalks other than those adjacent to schools and those on established school pedestrian routes. The School Crosswalk Warning assembly shall not be installed on approaches controlled by a STOP sign. Guidance: The School Crosswalk Warning assembly should be installed at marked crosswalk(s), including those at signalized locations, used by students going to and from school (see Figure 7B-2) as determined by an engineering study. Relevant Laws 17

60 Option: The In-Street Pedestrian Crossing (R1-6 or R1-6a) sign (see Section 2B.12) may be used at unsignalized school crossings. When used at a school crossing, a 300 x 100 mm (12 x 4 in) SCHOOL (S4-3) plaque (see Figure 7B-4) may be mounted above the sign. A 300 mm (12 in) reduced size School Advance Warning (S1-1) sign (see Figure 7B-4) may be used at an unsignalized school crossing instead of the In-Street Pedestrian Crossing (R1-6 or R1-6a) sign. A 300 x 150 mm (12 x 6 in) reduced size Diagonal Arrow (W16-7p) plaque may be mounted below the reduced size in-street School Advance Warning (S1-1) sign. Standard: If an In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign or a reduced size in-street School Advance Warning (S1-1) sign is placed in the roadway, the sign support shall comply with the mounting height and breakaway requirements for In-Street Pedestrian Crossing (R1-6 or R1-6a) signs (see Section 2B.12). The In-Street Pedestrian Crossing sign and the reduced size in-street School Advance Warning (S1-1) sign shall not be used at signalized locations. Section 7B.10 SCHOOL BUS STOP/TURN AHEAD Signs (S3-1, S3-H2) Guidance: The SCHOOL BUS STOP AHEAD (S3-1) or SCHOOL BUS TURN AHEAD (S3-H2) sign (see Figure 7B-1) should be installed in advance of locations where a school bus, when turning or when stopped to pick up or discharge passengers, is not visible to road users for a distance of 150 m (500 ft) in advance and where there is no opportunity to relocate the bus stop (or turn) to provide 150 m (500 ft) of visibility. Standard: These signs shall be erected only on the basis of a traffic engineering study and after the school transportation officials have confirmed the need for the stop or turn. Guidance: The need for these signs at existing locations should be reevaluated periodically. Section 7B.11 School Speed Limit Assembly (S4-1, S4-3, S4-H5, S4-6, S5-H3, S5-H4, S5-H5) Support: Section (B)(1)(a) of the Ohio Revised Code (O.R.C.) establishes a 20 mile per hour speed limit for School Zones, and establishes when that speed limit is in effect (see Appendix B2). Standard: A School Speed Limit assembly (see Figure 7B-1) or a School Speed Limit (S5-1) sign (see Figure 7B-1) shall be used to indicate the speed limit for a School Zone established per Section of the O.R.C. The School Speed Limit assembly or School Speed Limit sign shall be placed at or as near as practical to the point where the reduced speed zone begins. Support: Section (B)(1)(c) of the O.R.C. defines a School Zone and establishes a means by which the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), upon request from a local authority, may approve extensions of the traditional School Zone boundaries. Section (B)(2) also provides that ODOT, upon request, may designate a School Zone on a portion of a state route for certain crosswalks customarily used by children going to or leaving a school. Complete instructions and a form for submitting an application for approval of a non-traditional (extended) School Zone are available from the ODOT Office of Traffic Engineering and each ODOT District Office. Guidance: Requests for extensions of the traditional School Zone boundaries should be submitted to the ODOT District Deputy Director in accordance with the procedure described in Part 7 of the ODOT Traffic Engineering Manual (TEM) (see Section 1A.11). Relevant Laws 18

61 Standard: The School Speed Limit assembly shall be either a fixed-message sign assembly or a changeable message sign. The fixed-message School Speed Limit assembly shall consist of a top plaque (S4-3) with the legend SCHOOL, a Speed Limit (R2-1) sign, and a bottom plaque (S4-1, S4- H5, or S4-6) (see Figure 7B-1). Option: Changeable message signs (see Sections 2A.07 and 6F.55) may be used to inform drivers of the special school speed limit. If the sign is internally illuminated, it may have a white legend on a black background. Changeable message signs with flashing beacons may be used for the more critical situations, where greater emphasis of the special school speed limit is needed. Guidance: Even though it might not always be practical because of special features to make changeable message signs conform in all respects to the accepted standards, during the periods that the school speed limit is in effect, their basic shape, message, legend layout, and colors should conform to the standards for fixedmessage signs. A confirmation beacon or device to indicate that the speed limit message is in operation should be considered for inclusion on the back of the changeable message sign. Option: Fluorescent yellow-green pixels may be used when school-related messages are shown on a changeable message sign. Changeable message signs may use blank-out messages or other methods in order to display the school speed limit only during the periods it applies. Changeable message signs that display the speed of approaching drivers (see Section 2B.13) may be used in a school speed limit zone. A Speed Limit Sign Beacon also may be used to identify the periods that the school speed limit is in effect. The lenses of the Speed Limit Sign Beacon may be positioned within the face of the School Speed Limit (S5-H5) sign (see Figure 7B-1). A FINES HIGHER (R2-6) sign (see Section 2B.17) may be used to advise road users when increased fines are imposed for traffic violations in school zones. Standard: Where a side street intersects the highway within the School Zone, additional School Speed Limit signs shall be erected on the highway as needed to notify motorists entering the School Zone from the side street of the School Zone speed limit. The School Speed Limit sign shall be mounted along the right hand side of the roadway. Option: Where side mounting does not provide adequate sight distance or is otherwise impractical, the School Speed Limit sign may be mounted overhead. Guidance: Overhead mounting should be used on all divided and four-lane highways. There should be no Speed Limit signs (except School Speed Limit signs) erected or in place within the limits of the School Zone. There should be no Speed Limit signs within the space between either the School Advance Warning assembly (S1-1 with Supplemental Plaque) or the Reduced Speed School Zone Ahead sign and the beginning of the School Zone, or closer than 150 m (500 ft) in advance of the School Advance Warning assembly or the Reduced Speed School Zone Ahead sign. Section 7B.12 Reduced Speed School Zone Ahead Sign (S4-5, S4-5a) Option: The Reduced Speed School Zone Ahead (S4-5, S4-5a) sign (see Figure 7B-1) may be used to inform road users of a reduced speed zone when engineering judgment indicates that advance notice would be appropriate. Relevant Laws 19

62 Standard: If used, the Reduced Speed School Zone Ahead sign shall be followed by a School Speed Limit sign or a School Speed Limit assembly. The speed limit displayed on the Reduced Speed School Zone Ahead sign shall be identical to the speed limit displayed on the subsequent School Speed Limit sign or School Speed Limit assembly. Section 7B.13 END SCHOOL ZONE Sign (S5-2) Standard: The end of an authorized and posted school speed zone shall be marked with a standard Speed Limit sign showing the speed limit for the section of highway that follows or with an END SCHOOL ZONE (S5-2) sign (see Figure 7B-1). When the end of the school zone is marked with an END SCHOOL ZONE sign, and the adjacent section of highway is an authorized Speed Zone, a Speed Limit sign shall be placed just beyond the end of the School Zone. Option: When the END SCHOOL ZONE sign is used, a Speed Limit sign may be placed just beyond the end of the School Zone to post a statutory speed limit. Section 7B.14 Parking and Stopping Signs (R7 and R8 Series) Option: Parking and stopping regulatory signs may be used to prevent parked or waiting vehicles from blocking pedestrians views, and drivers views of pedestrians, and to control vehicles as a part of the school traffic plan. Support: Parking signs and other signs governing the stopping and standing of vehicles in school areas cover a wide variety of regulations. Typical examples of regulations are as follows: A. No Parking X:XX AM to X:XX PM School Days Only; B. No Stopping X:XX AM to X:XX PM School Days Only; C. X Min Loading X:XX AM to X:XX PM School Days Only; and D. No Standing X:XX AM to X:XX PM School Days Only. Sections 2B.39, 2B.40, and 2B.41 contain information regarding the signing of parking regulations in school zone areas. Section 7B.15 STOP FOR SCHOOL BUS LOADING OR UNLOADING Sign (R16-H3) Option: The STOP FOR SCHOOL BUS LOADING OR UNLOADING (R16-H3) sign (see Appendix C) may be used to remind road users of the provisions of Section of the Ohio Revised Code (see Appendix B2) prohibiting passing of school buses in either direction on undivided highways when loading or unloading school children. Chapter 7C. Markings Section 7C.01 Functions and Limitations Support: Markings have definite and important functions in a proper scheme of school area traffic control. In some cases, they are used to supplement the regulations or warnings provided by other devices, such as traffic signs or signals. In other instances, they are used alone and produce results that cannot be obtained by the use of any other device. In such cases they serve as an effective means of conveying certain regulations, guidance, and warnings that could not otherwise be made clearly understandable. Relevant Laws 20

63 Pavement markings have limitations. They might be obliterated by snow, might not be clearly visible when wet, and might not be durable when subjected to heavy traffic. In spite of these limitations, they have the advantage, under favorable conditions, of conveying warnings or information to the road user without diverting attention from the road. Section 7C.02 Standardization of Application Standard: Each standard marking shall be used only to convey the meaning prescribed for it in this Manual. Section 7C.03 Crosswalk Markings Support: Crosswalk markings provide guidance for pedestrians who are crossing roadways by defining and delineating paths on approaches to and within signalized intersections, and on approaches to other intersections where traffic stops. Crosswalk markings also serve to alert road users of a pedestrian crossing point across roadways not controlled by highway traffic signals or STOP signs. At nonintersection locations, crosswalk markings legally establish the crosswalk. Standard: When transverse crosswalk lines are used, they shall be solid white, marking both edges of the crosswalk, except as noted in the Option. They shall be not less than 150 mm (6 in) nor greater than 600 mm (24 in) in width. Guidance: If transverse lines are used to mark a crosswalk, the gap between the lines should not be less than 1.8 m (6 ft). If diagonal or longitudinal lines are used without transverse lines to mark a crosswalk, the crosswalk should be not less than 1.8 m (6 ft) wide. Crosswalk lines on both sides of the crosswalk should extend across the full width of pavement or to the edge of the intersecting crosswalk to discourage diagonal walking between crosswalks. Crosswalks should be marked at all intersections on established routes to school where there is substantial conflict between motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrian movements, where students are encouraged to cross between intersections, or where students would not otherwise recognize the proper place to cross (see Figure 7A-1). Crosswalk lines should not be used indiscriminately. An engineering study should be performed before they are installed at locations away from traffic control signals or STOP signs. Option: For added visibility, the area of the crosswalk may be marked with white diagonal lines at a 45- degree angle to the line of the crosswalk or with white longitudinal lines parallel to traffic flow. When diagonal or longitudinal lines are used to mark a crosswalk, the transverse crosswalk lines may be omitted. Guidance: The diagonal or longitudinal lines should be 300 to 600 mm (12 to 24 in) wide and spaced 300 to 1500 mm (12 to 60 in) apart. The spacing design should avoid the wheel paths. Section 7C.04 Stop and Yield Lines Standard: If used, stop lines shall consist of solid white lines extending across approach lanes to indicate the point at which the stop is intended or required to be made. If used, yield lines (see Figure 3B-14) shall consist of a row of solid white isosceles triangles pointing toward approaching vehicles extending across approach lanes to indicate the point at which the yield is intended or required to be made. Guidance: Stop lines should be 300 to 600 mm (12 to 24 in) wide. Relevant Laws 21

64 Stop lines should be used to indicate the point behind which vehicles are required to stop, in compliance with a STOP (R1-1) sign (see Figure 2B-1), traffic control signal, or some other traffic control device. The individual triangles comprising the yield line should have a base 300 to 600 mm (12 to 24 in) wide and a height equal to 1.5 times the base. The space between the triangles should be 75 to 300 mm (3 to 12 in). Option: Yield lines may be used to indicate the point behind which vehicles are required to yield in compliance with a YIELD (R1-2) sign (see Figure 2B-1) or a Yield Here to Pedestrians (R1-5 or R1-5a) sign (see Figure 2B-2). Guidance: If used, stop and yield lines should be placed a minimum of 1.2 m (4 ft) in advance of and parallel to the nearest crosswalk line at controlled intersections, except for yield lines at roundabout intersections as provided for in Section 3B.24 and at midblock crosswalks. In the absence of a marked crosswalk, the stop line or yield line should be placed at the desired stopping or yielding point, but should be placed no more than 9 m (30 ft) nor less than 1.2 m (4 ft) from the nearest edge of the intersecting traveled way. Stop lines should be placed to allow sufficient sight distance to all other approaches to an intersection. If used at an unsignalized midblock crosswalk, yield lines should be placed adjacent to the Yield Here to Pedestrians sign located 6.1 to 15 m (20 to 50 ft) in advance of the nearest crosswalk line, and parking should be prohibited in the area between the yield line and the crosswalk (see Figure 3B- 15). Stop lines at midblock signalized locations should be placed at least 12 m (40 ft) in advance of the nearest signal indication (see Section 4D.15). Support: Drivers who yield too close to crosswalks on multi-lane approaches place pedestrians at risk by blocking other drivers views of pedestrians, and pedestrians views of other vehicles. Section 7C.05 Curb Markings for Parking Regulations Standard: Signs shall be used with curb markings in those areas where curb markings are frequently obliterated by snow and ice accumulation, unless the no parking zone is controlled by statute or local ordinance. Guidance: When curb markings are used without signs to convey parking regulations, a legible word marking regarding the regulation (such as No Parking or No Standing ) should be placed on the curb. Option: Local highway agencies may prescribe special colors for curb markings to supplement standard signs for parking regulation. Support: Since yellow and white curb markings are frequently used for curb delineation and visibility, it is advisable to establish parking regulations through the installation of standard signs (see Sections 2B.39 through 2B.41). Section 7C.06 Pavement Word and Symbol Markings Support: Word and symbol markings on the pavement are used for the purpose of guiding, warning, or regulating traffic. Symbol messages are preferable to word messages. Standard: Word and symbol markings shall be white. Word and symbol markings shall not be used for mandatory messages except in support of standard signs. Relevant Laws 22

65 Guidance: Letters and numerals should be 1.8 m (6 ft) or more in height. All letters, numerals, and symbols should be in accordance with the SDM (see Section 1A.11). Word and symbol markings should not exceed three lines of information. If a pavement marking word message consists of more than one line of information, it should read in the direction of travel. The first word of the message should be nearest to the road user. The longitudinal space between word or symbol message markings, including arrow markings, should be at least four times the height of the characters for low speed roads, but not more than ten times the height of the characters under any conditions. The number of different word and symbol markings used should be minimized to provide effective guidance and avoid misunderstanding. When the SCHOOL marking is used, it should be placed at least 30 m (100 ft) in advance of the School Zone. Except as noted in the Option below, pavement word and symbol markings should be no more than one lane in width. Option: The SCHOOL word marking may extend to the width of two approach lanes (see Figure 7C- 1). Guidance: If the two-lane SCHOOL word marking is used, the letters should be 3 m (10 ft) or more in height. Figure 7C-1. Two-lane Pavement Marking of SCHOOL Chapter 7D. Signals Section 7D.01 General Support: Part 4 contains information regarding highway traffic signals in school areas. The School Crossing signal warrant is described in Section 4C.06. Relevant Laws 23

66 OMUTCD Chapter 4E. Pedestrian Control Features Section 4E.01 Pedestrian Signal Heads Support: Pedestrian signal heads provide special types of traffic signal indications exclusively intended for controlling pedestrian traffic. These signal indications consist of the illuminated symbols of a WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) and an UPRAISED HAND (symbolizing DONT WALK). Guidance: Engineering judgment should determine the need for separate pedestrian signal heads (see Section 4D.03) and accessible pedestrian signals (see Section 4E.09). Support: Chapter 4F contains information regarding the use of pedestrian hybrid beacons and Chapter 4N contains information regarding the use of In-Roadway Warning Lights at unsignalized marked crosswalks. Section 4E.02 Meaning of Pedestrian Signal Head Indications Standard: As specified in of the Ohio Revised Code, pedestrian signal head indications shall have the following meanings (A) A steady walking person signal indication, which symbolizes walk, means that a pedestrian facing the signal indication is permitted to start to cross the roadway in the direction of the signal indication, possibly in conflict with turning vehicles. The pedestrian shall yield the right-of-way to vehicles lawfully within the intersection at the time that the walking person signal indication is first shown. (B) A flashing upraised hand signal indication, which symbolizes don t walk, means that a pedestrian shall not start to cross the roadway in the direction of the signal indication, but that any pedestrian who has already started to cross on a steady walking person signal indication shall proceed to the far side of the traveled way of the street or highway, unless otherwise directed by a traffic control device to proceed only to the median of a divided highway or only to some other island or pedestrian refuge area. (C) A steady upraised hand signal indication means that a pedestrian shall not enter the roadway in the direction of the signal indication. (D) Nothing in this section shall be construed to invalidate the continued use of pedestrian control signals utilizing the word wait if those signals were installed prior to March 28, (E) A flashing walking person signal indication has no meaning and shall not be used. Section 4E.03 Application of Pedestrian Signal Heads Standard: Pedestrian signal heads shall be used in conjunction with vehicular traffic control signals under any of the following conditions: A. If a traffic control signal is justified by an engineering study and meets either Warrant 4, Pedestrian Volume or Warrant 5, School Crossing (see Chapter 4C); B. If an exclusive signal phase is provided or made available for pedestrian movements in one or more directions, with all conflicting vehicular movements being stopped; Relevant Laws 24

67 C. At an established school crossing at any signalized location; and/or D. Where engineering judgment determines that multi-phase signal indications (as with split-phase timing) would tend to confuse or cause conflicts with pedestrians using a crosswalk guided only by vehicular signal indications. Guidance: Pedestrian signal heads should be used under any of the following conditions: A. If it is necessary to assist pedestrians in deciding when to begin crossing the roadway in the chosen direction or if engineering judgment determines that pedestrian signal heads are justified to minimize vehicle-pedestrian conflicts; B. If pedestrians are permitted to cross a portion of a street, such as to or from a median of sufficient width for pedestrians to wait, during a particular interval but are not permitted to cross the remainder of the street during any part of the same interval; and/or C. If no vehicular signal indications are visible to pedestrians, or if the vehicular signal indications that are visible to pedestrians starting a crossing provide insufficient guidance for them to decide when to begin crossing the roadway in the chosen direction, such as on oneway streets, at T-intersections, or at multi-phase signal operations. Option: Pedestrian signal heads may be used under other conditions based on engineering judgment. Section 4E.04 Size, Design, and Illumination of Pedestrian Signal Head Indications Standard: All new pedestrian signal head indications shall be displayed within a rectangular background and shall consist of symbolized messages (see Figure 4E-1), except that existing pedestrian signal head indications with lettered or outline style symbol messages shall be permitted to be retained for the remainder of their useful service life. The symbol designs that are set forth in the Sign Designs and Markings Manual (SDMM) (see Section 1A.11) shall be used. Each pedestrian signal head indication shall be independently displayed and emit a single color. If a two-section pedestrian signal head is used, the UPRAISED HAND (symbolizing DON T WALK) signal section shall be mounted directly above the WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) signal section. If a one-section pedestrian signal head is used, the symbols shall be either overlaid upon each other or arranged side-by-side with the UPRAISED HAND symbol to the left of the WALKING PERSON symbol, and a light source that can display each symbol independently shall be used. The WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) signal indication shall be white, conforming to the publication entitled Pedestrian Traffic Control Signal Indications (see Section 1A.11), with all except the symbol obscured by an opaque material. The UPRAISED HAND (symbolizing DONT WALK) signal indication shall be Portland orange, conforming to the publication entitled Pedestrian Traffic Control Signal Indications (see Section 1A.11), with all except the symbol obscured by an opaque material. When not illuminated, the WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) and UPRAISED HAND (symbolizing DONT WALK) symbols shall not be readily visible to pedestrians at the far end of the crosswalk that the pedestrian signal head indications control. For pedestrian signal head indications, the symbols shall be at least 6 inches high. The light source of a flashing UPRAISED HAND (symbolizing DONT WALK) signal indication shall be flashed continuously at a rate of not less than 50 or more than 60 Relevant Laws 25

68 times per minute. The displayed period of each flash shall be a minimum 1/2 and a maximum of 2/3 of the total flash cycle. Guidance: Pedestrian signal head indications should be conspicuous and recognizable to pedestrians at all distances from the beginning of the controlled crosswalk to a point 10 feet from the end of the controlled crosswalk during both day and night. For crosswalks where the pedestrian enters the crosswalk more than 100 feet from the pedestrian signal head indications, the symbols should be at least 9 inches high. If the pedestrian signal indication is so bright that it causes excessive glare in nighttime conditions, some form of automatic dimming should be used to reduce the brilliance of the signal indication. Option: An animated eyes symbol may be added to a pedestrian signal head in order to prompt pedestrians to look for vehicles in the intersection during the time that the WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) signal indication is displayed. Standard: If used, the animated eyes symbol shall consist of an outline of a pair of white steadily-illuminated eyes with white eyeballs that scan from side to side at a rate of approximately once per second. The animated eyes symbol shall be at least 12 inches wide with each eye having a width of at least 5 inches and a height of at least 2.5 inches. The animated eyes symbol shall be illuminated at the start of the walk interval and shall terminate at the end of the walk interval. Section 4E.05 Location and Height of Pedestrian Signal Heads Standard: Pedestrian signal heads shall be mounted with the bottom of the signal housing including brackets not less than 7 feet or more than 10 feet above sidewalk level, and Relevant Laws 26

69 shall be positioned and adjusted to provide maximum visibility at the beginning of the controlled crosswalk. If pedestrian signal heads are mounted on the same support as vehicular signal heads, there shall be a physical separation between them. Section 4E.06 Pedestrian Intervals and Signal Phases Standard: At intersections equipped with pedestrian signal heads, the pedestrian signal indications shall be displayed except when the vehicular traffic control signal is being operated in the flashing mode. At those times, the pedestrian signal indications shall not be displayed. When the pedestrian signal heads associated with a crosswalk are displaying either a steady WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) or a flashing UPRAISED HAND (symbolizing DON T WALK) signal indication, a steady or a flashing red signal indication shall be shown to any conflicting vehicular movement that is approaching the intersection or midblock location perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the crosswalk. When pedestrian signal heads are used, a WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) signal indication shall be displayed only when pedestrians are permitted to leave the curb or shoulder. A pedestrian change interval consisting of a flashing UPRAISED HAND (symbolizing DON T WALK) signal indication shall begin immediately following the WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) signal indication. Following the pedestrian change interval, a buffer interval consisting of a steady UPRAISED HAND (symbolizing DONT WALK) signal indication shall be displayed for at least 3 seconds prior to the release of any conflicting vehicular movement. The sum of the time of the pedestrian change interval and the buffer interval shall not be less than the calculated pedestrian clearance time (see Paragraphs 7 through 16). The buffer interval shall not begin later than the beginning of the red clearance interval, if used. Option: During the yellow change interval, the UPRAISED HAND (symbolizing DON T WALK) signal indication may be displayed as either a flashing indication, a steady indication, or a flashing indication for an initial portion of the yellow change interval and a steady indication for the remainder of the interval. Support: Figure 4E-2 illustrates the pedestrian intervals and their possible relationships with associated vehicular signal phase intervals. Guidance: Except as provided in Paragraph 8, the pedestrian clearance time should be sufficient to allow a pedestrian crossing in the crosswalk who left the curb or shoulder at the end of the WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) signal indication to travel at a walking speed of 3.5 feet per second, to at least the far side of the traveled way or to a median of sufficient width for pedestrians to wait. Option: A walking speed of up to 4 feet per second may be used to evaluate the sufficiency of the pedestrian clearance time at locations where an extended pushbutton press function has been installed to provide slower pedestrians an opportunity to request and receive a longer pedestrian clearance time. Passive pedestrian detection may also be used to automatically adjust the pedestrian clearance time based on the pedestrian s actual walking speed or actual clearance of the crosswalk. Relevant Laws 27

70 The additional time provided by an extended pushbutton press to satisfy pedestrian clearance time needs may be added to either the walk interval or the pedestrian change interval. Guidance: Where pedestrians who walk slower than 3.5 feet per second, or pedestrians who use wheelchairs, routinely use the crosswalk, a walking speed of less than 3.5 feet per second should be considered in determining the pedestrian clearance time. Except as provided in Paragraph 12, the walk interval should be at least 7 seconds in length so that pedestrians will have adequate opportunity to leave the curb or shoulder before the pedestrian clearance time begins. Option: If pedestrian volumes and characteristics do not require a 7-second walk interval, walk intervals as short as 4 seconds may be used. Support: The walk interval is intended for pedestrians to start their crossing. The pedestrian clearance time is intended to allow pedestrians who started crossing during the walk interval to complete their crossing. Longer walk intervals are often used when the duration of the vehicular green phase associated with the pedestrian crossing is long enough to allow it. Guidance: The total of the walk interval and pedestrian clearance time should be sufficient to allow a pedestrian crossing in the crosswalk who left the pedestrian detector (or, if no pedestrian detector is present, a location 6 feet from the face of the curb or from the edge of the pavement) at the beginning of the WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) signal indication to travel at a walking speed of 3 feet per second to the far side of the traveled way being crossed or to the median if a two-stage pedestrian crossing sequence is used. Any additional time that is required to satisfy the conditions of this paragraph should be added to the walk interval. Option: On a street with a median of sufficient width for pedestrians to wait, a pedestrian clearance time that allows the pedestrian to cross only from the curb or shoulder to the median may be provided. Relevant Laws 28

71 Standard: Where the pedestrian clearance time is sufficient only for crossing from the curb or shoulder to a median of sufficient width for pedestrians to wait, median-mounted pedestrian signals (with pedestrian detectors if actuated operation is used) shall be provided (see Sections 4E.08 and 4E.09) and signing such as the R10-3d sign (see Section 2B.52) shall be provided to notify pedestrians to cross only to the median to await the next WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) signal indication. Guidance: Where median-mounted pedestrian signals and detectors are provided, the use of accessible pedestrian signals (see Sections 4E.09 through 4E.13) should be considered. Option: During the transition into preemption, the walk interval and the pedestrian change interval may be shortened or omitted as described in Section 4D.27. At intersections with high pedestrian volumes and high conflicting turning vehicle volumes, a brief leading pedestrian interval, during which an advance WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) indication is displayed for the crosswalk while red indications continue to be displayed to parallel through and/or turning traffic, may be used to reduce conflicts between pedestrians and turning vehicles. Guidance: If a leading pedestrian interval is used, the use of accessible pedestrian signals (see Sections 4E.09 through 4E.13) should be considered. Support: If a leading pedestrian interval is used without accessible features, pedestrians who are visually impaired can be expected to begin crossing at the onset of the vehicular movement when drivers are not expecting them to begin crossing. Guidance: If a leading pedestrian interval is used, it should be at least 3 seconds in duration and should be timed to allow pedestrians to cross at least one lane of traffic or, in the case of a large corner radius, to travel far enough for pedestrians to establish their position ahead of the turning traffic before the turning traffic is released. If a leading pedestrian interval is used, consideration should be given to prohibiting turns across the crosswalk during the leading pedestrian interval. Support: At intersections with pedestrian volumes that are so high that drivers have difficulty finding an opportunity to turn across the crosswalk, the duration of the green interval for a parallel concurrent vehicular movement is sometimes intentionally set to extend beyond the pedestrian clearance time to provide turning drivers additional green time to make their turns while the pedestrian signal head is displaying a steady UPRAISED HAND (symbolizing DONT WALK) signal indication after pedestrians have had time to complete their crossings. Section 4E.07 Countdown Pedestrian Signals Standard: All pedestrian signal heads used at crosswalks where the pedestrian change interval is more than 7 second shall include a pedestrian change interval countdown display in order to inform pedestrians of the number of seconds remaining in the pedestrian change interval. Option: Pedestrian signal heads used at crosswalks where the pedestrian change interval is 7 seconds or less may include a pedestrian change interval countdown display in order to inform pedestrians of the number of seconds remaining in the pedestrian change interval. Standard: Where countdown pedestrian signals are used, the countdown shall always be displayed simultaneously with the flashing UPRAISED HAND (symbolizing DONT WALK) signal indication displayed for that crosswalk. Relevant Laws 29

72 Countdown pedestrian signals shall consist of Portland orange numbers that are at least 6 inches in height on a black opaque background. The countdown pedestrian signal shall be located immediately adjacent to the associated UPRAISED HAND (symbolizing DONT WALK) pedestrian signal head indication (see Figure 4E-1). The display of the number of remaining seconds shall begin only at the beginning of the pedestrian change interval (flashing UPRAISED HAND). After the countdown displays zero, the display shall remain dark until the beginning of the next countdown. The countdown pedestrian signal shall display the number of seconds remaining until the termination of the pedestrian change interval (flashing UPRAISED HAND). Countdown displays shall not be used during the walk interval or during the red clearance interval of a concurrent vehicular phase. Guidance: If used with a pedestrian signal head that does not have a concurrent vehicular phase, the pedestrian change interval (flashing UPRAISED HAND) should be set to be approximately 4 seconds less than the required pedestrian clearance time (see Section 4E.06) and an additional clearance interval (during which a steady UPRAISED HAND is displayed) should be provided prior to the start of the conflicting vehicular phase. For crosswalks where the pedestrian enters the crosswalk more than 100 feet from the countdown pedestrian signal display, the numbers should be at least 9 inches in height. Because some technology includes the countdown pedestrian signal logic in a separate timing device that is independent of the timing in the traffic signal controller, care should be exercised by the engineer when timing changes are made to pedestrian change intervals. If the pedestrian change interval is interrupted or shortened as a part of a transition into a preemption sequence (see Section 4E.06), the countdown pedestrian signal display should be discontinued and go dark immediately upon activation of the preemption transition. Section 4E.08 Pedestrian Detectors Option: Pedestrian detectors may be pushbuttons or passive detection devices. Support: Passive detection devices register the presence of a pedestrian in a position indicative of a desire to cross, without requiring the pedestrian to push a button. Some passive detection devices are capable of tracking the progress of a pedestrian as the pedestrian crosses the roadway for the purpose of extending or shortening the duration of certain pedestrian timing intervals. The provisions in this Section place pedestrian pushbuttons within easy reach of pedestrians who are intending to cross each crosswalk and make it obvious which pushbutton is associated with each crosswalk. These provisions also position pushbutton poles in optimal locations for installation of accessible pedestrian signals (see Sections 4E.09 through 4E.13). Information regarding reach ranges can be found in the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG) (see Section 1A.11). Guidance: If pedestrian pushbuttons are used, they should be capable of easy activation and conveniently located near each end of the crosswalks. Except as provided in Paragraphs 5 and 6, pedestrian pushbuttons should be located to meet all of the following criteria (see Figure 4E-3): A. Unobstructed and adjacent to a level all-weather surface to provide access from a wheelchair; B. Where there is an all-weather surface, a wheelchair accessible route from the pushbutton to the ramp; Relevant Laws 30

73 C. Between the edge of the crosswalk line (extended) farthest from the center of the intersection and the side of a curb ramp (if present), but not greater than 5 feet from said crosswalk line; D. Between 1.5 and 6 feet from the edge of the curb, shoulder, or pavement; E. With the face of the pushbutton parallel to the crosswalk to be used; and F. At a mounting height of approximately 3.5 feet, but no more than 4 feet, above the sidewalk. Where there are physical constraints that make it impractical to place the pedestrian pushbutton adjacent to a level all-weather surface, the surface should be as level as feasible. Where there are physical constraints that make it impractical to place the pedestrian pushbutton between 1.5 and 6 feet from the edge of the curb, shoulder, or pavement, it should not be farther than 10 feet from the edge of curb, shoulder, or pavement. Except as provided in Paragraph 8, where two pedestrian pushbuttons are provided on the same corner of a signalized location, the pushbuttons should be separated by a distance of at least 10 feet. Option: Where there are physical constraints on a particular corner that make it impractical to provide the 10-foot separation between the two pedestrian pushbuttons, the pushbuttons may be placed closer together or on the same pole. Support: Figure 4E-4 shows typical pedestrian pushbutton locations for a variety of situations. Standard: Signs (see Section 2B.52) shall be mounted adjacent to or integral with pedestrian pushbuttons, explaining their purpose and use. Relevant Laws 31

74 Option: At certain locations, a supplemental sign in a more visible location may be used to call attention to the pedestrian pushbutton. Standard: The positioning of pedestrian pushbuttons and the legends on the pedestrian pushbutton signs shall clearly indicate which crosswalk signal is actuated by each pedestrian pushbutton. If the pedestrian clearance time is sufficient only to cross from the curb or shoulder to a median of sufficient width for pedestrians to wait and the signals are pedestrian actuated, an additional pedestrian detector shall be provided in the median. Guidance: The use of additional pedestrian detectors on islands or medians where a pedestrian might become stranded should be considered. If used, special purpose pushbuttons (to be operated only by authorized persons) should include a housing capable of being locked to prevent access by the general public and do not need an instructional sign. Standard: If used, a pilot light or other means of indication installed with a pedestrian pushbutton shall not be illuminated until actuation. Once it is actuated, the pilot light Relevant Laws 32

75 shall remain illuminated until the pedestrian s green or WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) signal indication is displayed. If a pilot light is used at an accessible pedestrian signal location (see Sections 4E.09 through 4E.13), each actuation shall be accompanied by the speech message wait. Option: At signalized locations with a demonstrated need and subject to equipment capabilities, pedestrians with special needs may be provided with additional crossing time by means of an extended pushbutton press. Standard: If additional crossing time is provided by means of an extended pushbutton press, a PUSH BUTTON FOR 2 SECONDS FOR EXTRA CROSSING TIME (R10-32P) plaque (see Figure 2B-26) shall be mounted adjacent to or integral with the pedestrian pushbutton. Section 4E.09 Accessible Pedestrian Signals and Detectors - General Support: Accessible pedestrian signals and detectors provide information in non-visual formats (such as audible tones, speech messages, and/or vibrating surfaces). Relevant Laws 33