The Hidden Dangers of School Crossing Guards

Fri Oct 31 2025 15:43:44 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A deep dive into the alarming number of injuries and fatalities among school crossing guards as they strive to protect children amidst rising traffic dangers.

This article explores the alarming frequency of accidents involving school crossing guards in the U.S. Over the last decade, hundreds have been injured or killed while performing their duties. Despite their vital role in ensuring the safety of children, crossing guards face significant hazards, often with little legal protection. Their plight highlights the urgent need for better safety measures and stricter accountability for driving offenses in school zones.

In an alarming trend, school crossing guards — crucial figures standing between children and busy traffic — are increasingly becoming victims of vehicular accidents. Recent investigations reveal that over the past decade, hundreds have suffered injuries from drivers, with dozens tragically losing their lives.

Take Anthony Taylor, a crossing guard in Indianapolis, whose harrowing experience serves as a grim reminder of the dangers these guardians face. After being struck by a vehicle in August 2018, he woke up in a hospital with serious injuries, including a fractured pelvis. Thankfully, he returned to his post, but many others are not so fortunate.

Statistical evidence gathered by AP and Cox Media Group indicates that 230 crossing guards across 37 states have been hit by cars, with nearly three dozen fatalities. Compounding the tragedy, drivers who injured or killed crossing guards often face minimal legal consequences — in many cases, no charges at all.

This unregulated hazard is compounded by a lack of data. Currently, there are no consistent national records tracking the safety of crossing guards, a gap that prevents the development of effective safety measures. Only two states, New Jersey and Massachusetts, have started to address this issue seriously, mandating safety inspections and tracking injuries.

Experts call for a comprehensive approach to enhance safety for crossing guards, which includes improving visibility in crosswalks, delivering better training, and implementing education campaigns aimed at motorists. As the job of a school crossing guard becomes increasingly perilous, the community must rally to ensure their safety just as fervently as they do for the children they protect.