An Unsignalized Crosswalk

At unsignalized crosswalks, it is the responsibility of the crossing guard to determine when children cross based on gaps in traffic flow. A guard who is assigned to an unsignalized crosswalk on an undivided street should:

  • Stand near the curb or edge of the street, on the side from which children are approaching.
  • Stop children a safe distance back from the curb or edge of the street, or behind a "stand-back" line (see bottom photo). Instruct children to cross only on the guard's signal.
  • Teach children who approach a crossing on a bicycle, scooter, or skateboard to dismount and push the bicycle or scooter or carry the skateboard across the street as a pedestrian.
  • A guard enters the street in the following sequence:
    1. Wait for a gap in traffic on the guard's side of the street.
    2. Face the closest oncoming traffic and make eye contact with the approaching drivers.
    3. Walk to the center of street with the STOP paddle held high. If not using a STOP paddle, walk to the center of the street with an arm raised toward traffic and parallel to the ground with the palm and fingers extended upward.
    4. Where there are more than two lanes, enter the street and alert the traffic one lane at a time.
    5. Face opposite approaching traffic and make eye contact with those drivers.
    6. Stand on the crosswalk line close to the center of the street and make sure that all traffic has stopped, including any turning vehicles.
    7. Face the intersection.
    8. Verbally instruct the children to cross and tell them to look left-right-left while crossing and proceed across the street within the marked crosswalk.
    9. Do not allow any cars to cross the crosswalk until all the students have crossed.
    10. Remain in the center of the street until the last child reaches the opposite side of the street.
    11. Walk to the curb or edge of the street with the STOP paddle and/or stop-arm held high the entire way. When back at the curb or edge of the street, lower hand(s) and allow traffic to flow again.
    12. Remain near the curb or edge of the street for the next group of children to assemble.