Outside schools and in busy downtowns,
at construction sites or road detours,
crossing guards make sure traffic and pedestrians have safe passage.
Crossing guards guide and control the flow of traffic,
directing and escorting pedestrians across streets
and stopping traffic when necessary.
Often crossing guards are present to watch over students
on their way to and from school,
and must explain traffic and crossing rules both to adult drivers,
and to students who are still learning about pedestrian safety.
Guards may report unsafe student behavior to the school,
and report the license numbers of errant vehicles to authorities.
Traffic can be difficult to predict at the best of times
and guards often work in challenging conditions, such as heavy weather,
noisy construction sites, and during large, sometimes chaotic events such as races.
Crossing guard positions are virtually always part time.
Typically crossing guards have a high school diploma or equivalent
but they may also earn a certification in pedestrian safety.