Crossing guards in Thunder Bay are drawing attention to an alarming number of safety incidents in school crossing zones, during a schoolyear in which two Ontario crossing guards have been fatally struck by vehicles.

The problem was highlighted this month with a police enforcement campaign, as well as incident reporting by crossing guards.

Local guards reported an average of 280 incidents per week across the city. Reported concerns include:

  • Drivers failing to obey stop signs
  • Speeding through school crossing areas
  • Vehicles creeping forward while stopped, which can intimidate guards and pedestrians
  • Aggressive driver behaviour, including yelling and rude hand gestures

Based on reports from crossing guards, the three locations currently raising the greatest concern in Thunder Bay are:

  • Junot Avenue and Windsor Street
  • John Street and Clarkson Street
  • Mary Street and Edward Street

When a crossing guard displays a red and white stop sign, drivers are legally required to stop before reaching the crossing and remain stopped until all people – including the crossing guard – have cleared the roadway.

During a recent enforcement campaign for Distracted Driving Awareness Month, police officers observed motorists failing to yield to crossing guards and issued several tickets.

Over two days, the Thunder Bay Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police issued offense notices to 114 drivers using their cell phones in locations across the city. Distracted driving charges carry a minimum fine of $615, as well as license suspensions and demerit points.

“Approximately one in three collisions involving a child is within 300 metres of a school,” said Acting Sergeant Sal Carchidi with the TBPS Traffic Unit. “Please ensure you are looking out for not only our children, but the crossing guards helping them cross safely.”

Safety concerns have become more urgent following the recent deaths of two Ontario crossing guards while on duty – one in Hamilton in November, and another in Ottawa in March. As a result, Thunder Bay crossing guards say they are increasingly concerned by impatient, angry, and distracted driving.

“We see a lot of speeding, we see a lot of people running right through us when we’re out in the middle of the street,” said crossing guard Charlie Brown. “I know that people have places to go and they’re really busy, but you have to remember this is a safety zone. All we’re trying to do here is make sure everybody stays alive and the kids get across safely.”

Local crossing guards will wear yellow ribbons in remembrance of their two fallen colleagues on Tuesday, the National Day of Mourning that commemorates workers killed, injured, or made ill on the job.

“School Crossing Guards perform an essential public safety role in our community every single day,” said Michelle Riemer, Field Supervisor of Crossing Guards. “On the National Day of Mourning, we are standing with crossing guards across Ontario to remember those who have been lost and to remind drivers that patience, attention, and respect at crossings can save lives.”

Residents are reminded to slow down, stay alert, obey all traffic laws, and wait until the crossing guard and all pedestrians have fully cleared the roadway before proceeding.

About Thunder Bay’s Crossing Guard Program:

Thunder Bay’s School Crossing Guard Program operates at 42 locations and helps approximately 3,000 children each day, along with other pedestrians. The program is operated by the City of Thunder Bay.

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Contact:      Michelle Riemer, Field Supervisor – Crossing Guards, 807-621-5395