School Crossing Guards: The Unseen Dangers Behind a Noble Service

Fri Oct 31 2025 19:59:49 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

An investigation reveals the alarming risks faced by school crossing guards in the U.S., highlighting fatalities and the lack of accountability for reckless driving in school zones.

A recent investigation has uncovered significant dangers faced by school crossing guards across the United States. With at least 230 reported incidents over the past decade and nearly three dozen fatalities, the data indicates a pressing issue of safety inadequacies. Factors like distracted driving and the design of modern vehicles contribute to the heightened risk, with many guards being seniors. Limited tracking of injuries and lack of accountability for offending drivers further complicate the problem.

Across the U.S., school crossing guards play a critical role in ensuring the safety of children during school hours, yet a troubling investigation reveals that this vital service comes with significant dangers. An in-depth analysis conducted by the Associated Press and Cox Media Group highlights a severe lack of accountability and safety measures for crossing guards.

According to the investigation, at least 230 crossing guards across 37 states and Washington, D.C. have been struck by vehicles over the past decade, with nearly 30 fatalities reported. Alarmingly, the tracking of injuries and deaths within this profession remains largely unmonitored, as there isn't a systematic way to document such incidents.

Drivers who cause injuries rarely face criminal charges, with only about half of the evaluated cases resulting in traffic citations. In many instances, offenders are not even ticketed. Each incident is assessed individually by law enforcement, leading to a lack of consistent consequences for those responsible for serious accidents.

Federal data categorizes crossing guards among the most hazardous jobs, paired with road construction flaggers. The recent statistics published by AP suggest that crossing guards experience rates of on-the-job fatalities that rival those in more traditionally dangerous professions, due to factors such as distracted driving and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure.

While New Jersey and Massachusetts have begun addressing the prevalence of crossing guard injuries—enforcing mandatory reporting and regular safety inspections—most states remain without stringent measures or tracking systems. Experts critique the design of modern vehicles and the prioritization of vehicular flow over pedestrian safety as underlying issues contributing to the dangers crossing guards face.

Moreover, many crossing guards are seniors, with over half of those documented being over the age of 65, further exacerbating the risks linked to their roles. As school zones continue to be treacherous environments, advocacy for enhanced safety measures is imperative to protect these essential community members.