Pickup Driver Disobeys Crossing Guards – Almost Hit Children

(MUNICIPALITY OF WEST PERTH, ON) Perth County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers in Mitchell have been called to investigate a number of incidents where motorists disobeyed the directions of “crossing guards”.

One incident on Friday October 18, 2013 at 8:40 a.m. along Frances St. near Upper Thames Elementary School was of particular concern. An eastbound pickup truck failed to stop for the crossing guard and narrowly missed striking school children.

The Municipality of West Perth has trained crossing guards located in a number of locations within Mitchell. Their role it is to direct and supervise the movement of persons across a highway by creating necessary gaps in vehicular traffic allowing pedestrians and especially children to cross roads safely.

The Highway Traffic Act states that, when a school crossing sign is displayed, the driver of any vehicle approaching the stop sign shall stop before reaching the crossing and shall remain stopped until all persons, including the school crossing guard have cleared the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is travelling and it is safe to proceed. Failure to obey the crossing guard could result in a $180.00 ticket and an accumulation of 3 demerit points.

School has been back in operation for almost a month and a half and some drivers have become complacent around crossing guards and school crossings. Vehicle operators are urged to slow down and pay extra attention around school zones and crossing guards. Remember, when a crossing guard signals for you to stop, you must obey. There might still be a child crossing the street that you cannot see. Whatever the reason might be, crossing guards are there to protect the children from harm and you must do what they say.

“I have instructed our officers in West Perth to concentrate patrols around our school zones and crossing guard locations during the morning and afternoon rush hour. It is my hope that this will remind the motoring public to slow down and pay attention so that our children will be safe” West Perth OPP contract Sgt. Dave Sinko.