The Thunder Bay Police Service is ramping up its crosswalk patrol.
Two crossing guards have been killed by motorists in Ontario since November, and guards report an average of 280 incidents each week across Thunder Bay.
“We see a lot of speeding, we see a lot of people running right through us when we’re out in the middle of the street,” said crossing guard Charlie Brown. “I know that people have places to go and they’re really busy, but you have to remember this is a safety zone. All we’re trying to do here is make sure everybody stays alive and the kids get across safely.”
As a result, the TBPS is working in tandem with the OPP to launch a new undercover enforcement campaign to catch distracted or reckless drivers at cross walks.
“[Police] are in undercover cars and they’re going to the crossings and they’re watching every vehicle coming through,” said Michelle Reimer, Field Supervisor for Crossing Guards in Thunder Bay. “We have a great relationship [with the police]. When we have issues going on at any locations, we’re able to reach out to them for their support.”
Reports from local crossing guards have identified the three most dangerous locations in Thunder Bay:
- Junot Avenue and Windsor Street
- John Street and Clarkson Street
- Mary Street and Edward Street
“It’s funny, every time the police are here, everybody slows down. It’s like they’re psychic,” Brown said. “The police were here last week for two days, the shift they didn’t come in, we had seven people run through us. So the police aren’t going to be able to stop everything, people need to be more aware.”
Crossing guards have reported drivers failing to obey stop signs, speeding through crossing areas, looking at their phones and behaving aggressively by yelling or making rude gestures. They also want to stop vehicles creeping forward while stopped, which can intimidate guards and pedestrians.
“A failure to stop at the crossover is a $300 fine,” said TBPS media relations coordinator C.J. Goater. “Running through a crossing guard in the intersection with their sign up is also a $300 fine. Community Safety Zone fines escalate to $600 as well.”
Local crossing guards will wear yellow ribbons in remembrance of their two fallen colleagues on Tuesday, the National Day of Mourning that commemorates workers killed, injured, or made ill on the job.
“School crossing guards perform an essential public safety role in our community every single day,” Riemer said. “On the National Day of Mourning, we are standing with crossing guards across Ontario to remember those who have been lost and to remind drivers that patience, attention, and respect at crossings can save lives.”
