School crossing guard/traffic question?

I live near a busy (major) intersection in Florida that also has school crossing in the morning. I was making a left turn with the arrow still green and all of a sudden the traffic guard is walking into the middle of the street with a kid. I had to stop gradually in the middle of my turn as I was afraid the two cars behind me that were also turning were going to hit me from behind. I know that I must of scarred the guard and the kid (and myself), as it came very close. The problem from my side is that you can't see the guard (or anyone for that matter) until you've already started to cross just because of the dynamics of the intersection. Also, shouldn't the crossing guard be paying attention to the traffic light or can they just go into the road with moving traffic? Wouldn't it be a good idea to use the pedestrian crossing light/button?

George A

If the design of the intersection prevents drivers from seeing the crossing guard when they go to stop traffic, it would be best if they use the walk button to assist them if one is available & it works.

But- a person that is directing traffic does have precedence over the traffic signal & they can stop traffic as needed regardless of what the traffic signals are showing. Even if you had a green light, if the crossing guard steps out to stop traffic, the traffic signal is then invalid & the crossing guard is now a stop light/sign & failure to obey can result in many states the same fine and penalty as running a stop light/sign.

For that intersection, you are just going to have to be extra careful and possibly make a suggestion to the school board about your recommendations. It could be very possible that the crossing guard, being on foot, doesn't know that there is limited visibility in that intersection when in a vehicle in the lane that you were in that day.

UCANTCME

Yes they should pay attention to the lights but what I do at all school zone areas is I drive slower than the recommended speed limit just in case because you never know what to expect........

mobilemark

ARE YOU SURE YOU HAD A GREEN left arrow could it had turn red
as you started your turn? the pedestions always have the right of way

Kevin H

the peds Always have the rigth of way and the guard has the rigth of way tire and figth it and you will not win it will be your fault and stoping and looking all over would help at that intersection if people get mad do not worrie it is better that this dose not happen a again so look really look

Clarence

IF there was a walk sign mounted and it was red the school traffic guard should not have stepped onto the road. If there is a pedestrian light they have to obey that light and do not really have the right of way. Many pedestrians think they have the right of way all the time, but they have rules also and must obey them. If this happens again go to the school office and report to the principal and tell him or her of your experience and they should check to see if the crossing guard is not putting any of the children in any risk. The Crossing guard must make sure that the traffic can safely stop and has already stopped , before allowing children to walk . The safety of the children comes first for the crossing guard and everything else is secondary.

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