The Hidden Dangers Faced by School Crossing Guards Across America

Fri Oct 31 2025 13:47:01 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

An investigative report reveals the alarming risks that school crossing guards encounter daily while safeguarding children on their way to school.

An investigation by AP and Cox Media Group highlights the significant dangers faced by school crossing guards in the U.S. Over the past decade, at least 230 guards have been hit by vehicles, resulting in nearly three dozen fatalities. Despite the growing concern, there remains no standardized tracking of injuries or deaths among these workers. This article unveils critical findings, including the lack of accountability for drivers involved in accidents and the inadequate safety measures in many school zones.

WASHINGTON — School crossing guards serve a crucial role in ensuring the safety of children as they traverse busy streets to and from schools. While many find their roles rewarding, a recent investigation by the AP and Cox Media Group reveals that these custodians of child safety face alarming dangers on the job.

According to the investigation, there is no comprehensive system in place to monitor how many crossing guards suffer injuries or fatalities each year. Data compiled from nearly 200 police department reports indicates that at least 230 crossing guards have been struck by vehicles across 37 states and Washington D.C. in the past decade, with almost thirty fatalities among them. This count likely underrepresents the actual number of incidents.

When drivers hit crossing guards, the legal outcomes are often lenient. In the cases analyzed, approximately half of the drivers received traffic citations, such as 'failure to yield to a pedestrian,' while about 25% were not ticketed at all. Moreover, another 25% faced criminal charges; however, police noted that each case must be assessed individually, and not all incidents qualify for criminal prosecution.

These findings raise concerns about enforcement and accountability, especially given that school crossing guard roles rank among the most hazardous jobs according to federal data analyses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' current categorization of crossing guards as road construction flaggers limits the visibility and tracking of injuries specific to crossing guards.

As highlighted by the AP's calculations in 2023, crossing guards and flaggers rank in the top quintile for death rates in jobs, comparable to roles like power line installers and airline transport workers. Alarmingly, only New Jersey and Massachusetts are actively tracking guard safety measures after previous fatalities prompted legislative actions in those states.

Experts point to distracted driving, speeding, larger vehicle blind spots caused by modern SUVs, and inadequate traffic calming measures as major contributors to the risks faced by crossing guards. Furthermore, the design of many school zones often prioritizes vehicular traffic flow over pedestrian safety.

It is also notable that many crossing guards are seniors or retirees, raising additional safety concerns as they navigate high-traffic areas.

This investigation shines a light on the often-overlooked dangers in a role dedicated to the safety of children, urging a collective movement towards enhanced safety measures and accountability in public spaces.