Crosswalks are a part of daily life, especially for students who use them regularly. But how effective are they in ensuring the safety of students at GEMS? Let’s take a closer look at some of the challenges we face and what can be done to improve safety.
High-traffic times, such as student pick-up and drop-off, create the highest risk of accidents. With both foot and vehicle traffic increasing, these moments require careful planning. Mr. Roman noted, “The crosswalks are both very busy spaces; they seem to be busier during student pick-up and drop-off.” Despite efforts to manage the flow, some individuals fail to follow established procedures, which can increase the risk of accidents.
A key challenge is understanding who can make changes to improve the crosswalks. According to Mr. Roman, “The school isn’t able to improve the crosswalks because it is city-maintained. But I’ll talk with the safety team about how we can make them better.” This shows that while the school can monitor the area, physical upgrades to the crosswalks must go through the city. However, internal improvements, like better communication and policies, remain within the school’s control.
One of the most significant challenges for staff is non-compliance. Mr. Roman shared, “Parents and students who are in a hurry are not following the school staff who are monitoring it.” This non-compliance can lead to confusion and increase the chances of accidents. When drivers don’t yield and students aren’t vigilant, even the best safety systems can fail.
Despite these challenges, some aspects of the current system help maintain order. The crosswalks are clearly marked, and staff members wear bright vests and carry stop signs to direct traffic. Mr. Roman explained, “For the most part, these visual cues help families follow safety directions.” However, for these systems to work, cooperation from everyone—staff, students, and parents—is essential.
Ongoing safety concerns call for continued attention. As Mr. Roman mentioned, “People are not following the instructions given by staff, and students who don’t look both ways.” This is especially concerning for younger students, who may not yet fully understand the risks. To improve, Mr. Roman suggests that “sharing updates about the crosswalk with Mrs. Fernandez’s updates” could increase awareness and encourage safer behavior.
Crosswalk safety is a shared responsibility. While the school can’t control all changes, community cooperation and ongoing communication can make a significant difference in keeping students safe. Let’s work together to ensure every school day starts and ends with safety as a priority.
