The use of well-trained adult crossing guards has been found to be one of the most effective measures for assisting children to cross streets safely.1 Sidewalks or separated walkways and paths are essential for a safe trip from home to school on foot or by bike. Adult crossing guards require training and monitoring and should be equipped with a bright orange safety vest and a STOP paddle. Police enforcement in school zones may be needed in situations where drivers are speeding or not yielding to children in crosswalks.
Marked crosswalks can help guide children to the best route to school.
School administrators and parent-teacher organizations need to educate students and parents about school safety and access to and from the school. Education, enforcement and well designed roads must all be in place to encourage motorists to drive appropriately. Children leaving school in this Honolulu suburb walk their bikes to the intersection where a crossing guard controls movements. One of the biggest safety hazards around schools is parents or caretakers dropping off and picking up their children. Drop off areas must be located away from where children on foot cross streets or access the school.