Celebrating Crossing Guard Appreciation Week
The City of Oshawa encourages all community members to thank their crossing guard during Crossing Guard Appreciation Week, June 5 to 9.
The week recognizes the more than 125 crossing guards throughout our community who help students and pedestrians travel safely across streets and intersections on school days, completing approximately 1.5 million crossings each school year.
Community members are reminded to abide by the three-whistle system:
- First Whistle: The school crossing guard blows the first whistle, enters the roadway, holds up the stop sign, and ensures traffic has stopped. Students and pedestrians stay on the sidewalk until the school crossing guard blows the second whistle.
- Second Whistle: The school crossing guard blows the second whistle when it is safe for the students and pedestrians to cross.
- Third Whistle: Once students and pedestrians have safely crossed the roadway, the school crossing guard leaves the roadway. Once safely off the road, the guard blows the third whistle to signify the crossing has ended and traffic can proceed.
The community is also encouraged to take special care while driving in school areas and to follow these safety reminders:
- Be observant of students when in a school area and be ready to stop at all times
- Be patient and wait for students to complete their crossing before proceeding
- Reduce speed in schools zones
- Stop when a stop paddle is held up by a crossing guard
- Obey school bus flashers
- Obey yield, stop, traffic signal controls, and traffic signs
- Be mindful of children walking around your vehicle and of other vehicles
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