Crossing Guards: The Hidden Dangers of Protecting Our Children

Fri Oct 31 2025 13:47:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

An in-depth investigation reveals the alarming number of injuries and fatalities involving school crossing guards, who risk their safety to protect children daily. With inadequate tracking and minimal legal protections, these guardians face significant dangers and often lack sufficient support.

An investigation by the AP and Cox Media Group highlights the perilous work environment of school crossing guards across the U.S. Over the past decade, hundreds have been injured, with dozens killed, often with minimal legal repercussions for drivers. Despite the risks, many guards, including those injured in serious accidents, return to their duties, emphasizing the need for better safety measures and accountability.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Anthony Taylor will never forget the horror on a student's face as he stepped into the crosswalk at Washington Township High School in Indianapolis, only to be struck by a vehicle transporting a mother and her son. After the traumatic incident in August 2018, Taylor woke up in a hospital with serious injuries, including a fractured pelvis. Thankfully, he returned to work.

School crossing guards like Taylor are essential for ensuring children's safety as they navigate busy streets, yet they face significant risks from distracted or speeding drivers. An extensive investigation by the Associated Press and Cox Media Group has revealed a shocking trend: over the last ten years, hundreds of crossing guards, many older adults, have been injured or killed on the job.

A total of 230 crossing guards across 37 states and Washington, D.C., were struck by vehicles, with nearly three dozen fatalities. Due to the lack of tracking systems, such incidents often go unreported or inadequately addressed by law enforcement.

Investigators discovered that many drivers who injure or kill crossing guards do not face serious consequences. Of the 183 cases where outcomes were tracked, nearly half resulted in traffic citations, while about a quarter faced no penalties at all.

The data highlights a concerning pattern: crossing guards, tasked with protecting children, often become victims themselves amid the chaos of traffic. Experts assert that a lack of regulations and insufficient safety measures increases the dangers guards face on a daily basis.

This situation is exacerbated by the absence of a unified system to monitor crossing guard-related injuries and fatalities, complicating efforts to develop effective safety protocols. In federal statistics, crossing guards are grouped with less hazardous occupations such as road construction flaggers, failing to convey the true dangers inherent in their job.

Despite facing these risks, many crossing guards remain committed to their roles. Taylor exemplifies this spirit, returning to work after his injuries to continue serving his community. He emphasizes the importance of their function, stating, I like what I do and enjoy being around the public.

As calls grow for better protection and accountability for drivers, the troubling reality persists: crossing guards stand on the front lines of children's safety while facing high personal risk.