Children crossing the road should:
- Listen to the crossing guard
- Walk, don't run
- Don't play in the crosswalk
Crossing Guards
Crossing Guards are employees of the City of Oshawa and members of our community. They are trained to help children cross the street safely at set locations at school start and end times, and sometimes lunchtime. A Crossing Guard’s STOP sign has the same authority as a regular STOP sign. All road users must obey the crossing guard’s signals.
Three whistle system
The following three-step system is used by the Crossing Guard to alert children when it is safe to cross the street:
- First whistle: The Crossing Guard is entering the roadway. Children must stay on the sidewalk;
- Second whistle: Children may enter the crosswalk
- Third whistle: The crossing has ended and the traffic may proceed.
Crosswalk safety
Students should stand at least one meter back from the curb at a crossing. Crossing guard schedules follow school bell times, and guards cannot cross anyone if a vehicle is stopped in the crossing. Drivers who do not stop for a crossing guard can be fined $150 to $500 and receive three demerit points.
Everyone must walk at a steady pace and stay between the white lines. Running, walking too slowly, or playing around is not allowed. Bikes and skateboards must be walked, and students should avoid bouncing balls, skipping rope, or any horseplay while waiting or crossing.
At signalized crossings, no one should enter once the flashing “Don’t Walk” sign or amber light appears. The guard stays in the crosswalk until the last child reaches the farthest lane and may follow students off the street if they are walking toward the guard’s workstation. High school students and seniors may ask the guard for help crossing and should follow all rules to set a good example.
Additional reminders
Adults crossing the road should:
- Set a good example for children by following the crossing guard's instructions
- Remind children to cross at a good pace, but not to run
Motorists and other wheeled road users should:
- Wait for students to complete their crossing before proceeding
- Reduce speed in school zones
- Stop when a crossing guard holds up a STOP sign
- Obey school bus flashers
- refrain from parking within 10 metres of a crosswalk
Crossing Guard appreciation week
Each year, during the first week of June, the Ontario Traffic Council celebrates Crossing Guard Appreciation Week — recognizing the dedicated guards who help keep students safe all year long.
Join the City of Oshawa in thanking your crossing guard with a smile, wave, or kind word. Download a student-designed thank-you card from the Ontario Traffic Council or create your own!
Contact Us
Service Oshawa
Oshawa City Hall
50 Centre St. S.
Oshawa, ON L1H 3Z7
Phone: 905-436-3311
Toll Free: 1-800-667-4292
Email: service@oshawa.ca
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