Crossing Guard Guide 2023 No crops

School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

Table of Contents 1.0 FORWARD................................................................................................................... 1 2.0 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................... 2 2.1 Background................................................................................................................... 2 2.2 Intent of the Guide......................................................................................................... 2 2.3 Contents of the Guide.................................................................................................... 2 3.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION.................................................................................. 4 3.1 Legislative Authority....................................................................................................... 4 3.2 Role of the School Crossing Guard............................................................................... 4 3.3 Definition of a School Crossing..................................................................................... 4 3.4 Vision Zero..................................................................................................................... 4 3.5 Equity............................................................................................................................. 4 3.6 Definitions of Terms....................................................................................................... 5 3.7 Urban versus Rural School Crossing Locations.......................................................... 10 3.8 New versus Existing School Site................................................................................. 10 3.9 Alternative Solutions other than Crossing Guards....................................................... 10 4.0 SITE INSPECTION 13 4.1 Who............................................................................................................................. 13 4.2 Why............................................................................................................................. 13 4.3 What............................................................................................................................ 13 4.4 Where.......................................................................................................................... 14 4.5 When........................................................................................................................... 14 4.6 How............................................................................................................................. 15 5.0 SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD WARRANT METHODOLOGIES 16 5.1 Context........................................................................................................................ 16 5.2 Exposure Index Method............................................................................................... 16 5.3 Gap Study Method....................................................................................................... 17 5.4 Other Factors............................................................................................................... 17 5.5 Frequency of School Crossing Guard Reassessment................................................. 18 B OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

6.0 SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD WARRANT AT SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION....... 19 6.1 Context........................................................................................................................ 19 6.2 Data Collection............................................................................................................ 19 6.3 Warrant Method .......................................................................................................... 20 6.3.1 Exposure Index ................................................................................................................... 20 6.3.2 Developing an Exposure Index .............................................................................. 20 6.3.3 Using the Exposure Index for Warrants............................................................................... 22 6.3.4 Other Factors ...................................................................................................................... 23 6.4 Signage and Pavement Markings................................................................................ 24 7.0 SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD WARRANT AT ALL-WAY STOP-CONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS............................................................................................................ 25 7.1 Context........................................................................................................................ 25 7.2 Data Collection............................................................................................................ 25 7.3 Warrant Method........................................................................................................... 26 7.3.1 Exposure Index ................................................................................................................... 26 7.3.2 Developing an Exposure Index ........................................................................................... 26 7.3.3 Using the Exposure Index for Warrants .............................................................................. 28 7.3.4 Other Factors ...................................................................................................................... 29 7.4 Signage and Pavement Marking Applications............................................................. 30 8.0 SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD WARRANT AT MINOR STREET STOP-CONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS............................................................................................. 31 8.1 Context........................................................................................................................ 31 8.2 Data Collection............................................................................................................ 32 8.3 Exposure Index Method...................................................................................................... 32 8.3.1 Developing an Exposure Index...........................................................................................32 8.3.2 Using the Exposure Index for Warrants............................................................................... 34 8.4 Gap Study Method....................................................................................................... 34 8.4.1 Phase 1: Safe Gap Time...................................................................................................... 34 8.4.2 Phase 2: Gap Surveys and Analyses.................................................................................. 35 8.5 Other Factors............................................................................................................... 36 8.6 Signage and Pavement Marking Applications............................................................. 36 9.0 SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD WARRANT AT PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS.................. 38 9.1 Context........................................................................................................................ 38 9.2 Data Collection............................................................................................................ 38 9.3 Warrant Method........................................................................................................... 39 9.3.1 Exposure Index Method for IPS........................................................................................... 39 9.3.2 Developing an Exposure Index............................................................................................ 39 9.3.3 Using the Exposure Index for Warrants............................................................................... 40 9.3.4 Other Factors for IPS and MPS........................................................................................... 41 9.4 Signage and Pavement Marking Applications............................................................. 42 OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 C

10.0 SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD WARRANT AT PEDESTRIAN CROSSOVERS...... 43 10.1 Context...................................................................................................................... 43 10.2 Data Collection.......................................................................................................... 43 10.3 Warrant Method......................................................................................................... 45 10.3.1 Exposure Index.................................................................................................................. 45 10.3.2 Developing an Exposure Index.......................................................................................... 45 10.3.3 Using the Exposure Index for Warrants............................................................................. 47 10.3.4 Other Factors..................................................................................................................... 47 10.4 Signage and Pavement Markings.............................................................................. 48 11.0 SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD WARRANT AT MIDBLOCK LOCATIONS............... 49 11.1 Context....................................................................................................................... 49 11.2 Gap Study Method..................................................................................................... 49 11.2.1 Phase 1: Safe Gap Time.................................................................................................... 49 11.2.2 Phase 2: Gap Survey and Analyses.................................................................................. 50 11.2.3 Other Factors..................................................................................................................... 51 11.3 Signage and Pavement Marking Applications............................................................ 52 12.0 SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS AT ROUNDABOUTS............................................ 54 12.1 Context...................................................................................................................... 54 12.2 Best Practice Findings............................................................................................... 54 12.3 Warrant Methods....................................................................................................... 56 12.4 Next Steps................................................................................................................. 57 12.5 Signage and Pavement Marking Applications........................................................... 57 13.0 REMOVAL OF A SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD..................................................... 58 13.1 Context...................................................................................................................... 58 13.2 Method....................................................................................................................... 58 13.2.1 Site Inspection................................................................................................................... 58 13.2.2 Data Collection and Removal Warrant.............................................................................. 59 13.2.3 Next Steps......................................................................................................................... 59 14.0 HUMAN RESOURCES............................................................................................ 60 14.1 Hiring a School Crossing Guard................................................................................ 60 14.1.1 Recruitment and Staffing................................................................................................... 61 14.2 Duties of a School Crossing Guard Supervisor......................................................... 61 14.3 School Crossing Guard Standard Equipment............................................................ 62 14.4 Training...................................................................................................................... 62 14.5 Crossing Guard Positioning at a Crossing................................................................. 64 14.6 Incident Response..................................................................................................... 66 14.6.1 Disobedience by a Driver................................................................................................... 66 14.6.2 Disobedience by a Student................................................................................................ 66 14.7 General Practices of School Crossing Guards.......................................................... 67 D OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

15.0 PUBLIC EDUCATION............................................................................................... 68 15.1 School Staff............................................................................................................... 68 15.2 Parents and Students................................................................................................ 68 15.3 General Public........................................................................................................... 68 APPENDIX A: HIGHWAY TRAFFIC ACT INFORMATION APPENDIX B: SAMPLE SITE INSPECTION FORMS APPENDIX C: EXPOSURE INDEX METHOD INFORMATION APPENDIX D: GAP STUDY METHOD INFORMATION APPENDIX E: SAMPLE GUARD TRAINING AND POSITIONING MANUALS APPENDIX F: MEDICAL TESTING OF CROSSING GUARDS OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 E

CHAPTER 1. 1 1.0 FORWARD The Ontario Traffic Council (OTC) prepared a School the 2017 SCGG Update and identified a series of refinement Crossing Guard Guide (SCGG) in 2006 for use by opportunities. This 2022 SCGG Update incorporates the municipalities across the province, followed by an OTC feedback received and experiences drawn from practical SCGG Update in 2017. The 2017 SCGG Update was a applications across Ontario. OTC would like to thank the comprehensive update of the SCGG to reflect the changes members of the SCGG Committee for their efforts and in policy and best practices. Since then, OTC members have dedication in contributing to this SCGG Update. had the opportunity to apply the templates and principals in 1.1 Disclaimer This Guide has been prepared for Ontario Traffic Council the OTC, the Project Steering Committee, or the project (OTC) as part of its effort to promote transportation safety sponsors. The guidelines provided in this document are in Ontario by offering technical guidance on school crossing to assist transportation safety practitioners and individual guards. This publication is produced as per the best practices municipalities in better decision-making and improve and is intended to provide a compendium of knowledge on this their safety planning processes. However, they should not topic. These guidelines have been developed for municipal be used as a replacement for sound engineering judgment use and are not applicable to any provincial highways. The and technical experience in the public’s best interest. Guide was reviewed by a project steering committee and Furthermore, no reference can cover all contingencies, or all accepted for publication based on procedures established by cases experienced in practice, so the readers should rely on the OTC. However, the opinions and conclusions expressed their own skill and judgment to use the provided information or implied in this Guide may be those of the consultant in different applications. who undertook the project and are not necessarily those of OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 1

CHAPTER 2 2 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 Background to develop a technical recommendation. If the decision is made to provide a school crossing guard, information is Over the years, various programs have been developed across documented on training and equipment, as well as public the Province of Ontario with respect to the implementation education for those who will come into contact with the and uniformity of school crossings. In 1992, representatives guard. from both the Ontario Traffic Council (OTC) and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) collaborated to While this Guide covers a broad range of best practices, no prepare a report entitled School Crossing Review 1992. That document like this one can cover all contingencies or all document was then used as the springboard from which situations involving a school crossing guard. Therefore, field the OTC produced the 2006 School Crossing Guard Guide experience and knowledge of application are essential in (SCGG). In 2017 OTC released an update to the 2006 SCGG deciding what to do in the absence of specific direction from that accounted for new types of pedestrian crossing across the Guide itself and in overriding any recommendations in Ontario and the amendments made to the Highway Traffic this Guide. Act and the Ontario Traffic Manuals. Since 2017, various municipalities and practitioners have applied the principles The practitioner’s fundamental responsibility is to exercise outlined in the 2017 SCGG in Ontario. good engineering judgement and experience on technical matters in the best interests of the public and students. Since then, new technology has evolved for crossing Guidelines are provided in this Guide to assist in making locations, such as a wider range of pedestrian crossovers. those judgements, but they should not be used as a substitute In addition, roundabouts have become more prevalent as a for good judgment. form of intersection control. New Ontario Traffic Manuals have been produced, and others have been updated. The Application, operational guidelines and procedures should Highway Traffic Act has also been amended. The purpose be used with judicious care and proper consideration of the of this 2022 SCGG Update is to incorporate feedback prevailing circumstances. Reasons for departing from the from municipalities and practitioners who have applied the recommended guidelines should be documented. practices set out in the 2017 SCGG 2.3 Contents of the Guide With these changes in mind, members of the OTC decided to update both the technical content and the organization of the The 2017 SCGG begins with Background Information chapters of the SCGG in order to provide clear direction and Chapter 3, which provides details on the legislative authority to make the Guide easier to use by practitioners. and the role of a school crossing guard. This information includes definitions of terms used throughout the Guide 2.2 Intent of the Guide and addresses issues pertaining to urban versus rural school sites, new versus existing sites and crossing solutions other The purpose of this 2022 SCGG Update is to refine the than school crossing guards. practices set out in the 2017 SCGG based on feedback from municipalities and practitioners. This Guide aims to provide The Site Inspection chapter describes how to examine a step-by-step technical approach to determine whether or school sites to gather data that will be used to determine if not a school crossing guard should be provided at a specific a location needs a crossing guard. General information is location. The Guide is organized as a reference document provided on the warrant analysis of a crossing location, with so that practitioners can turn to the specific area of interest the methodology explained for two ways to determine if a and find an easy-to-understand, straightforward process crossing guard is warranted. 2 OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

CHAPTER 2 Eight Seven chapters are dedicated to providing warrants The process to follow when considering whether or not for different crossing facilities. Practitioners can quickly to remove a school crossing guard is provided in Chapter refer to the chapter that applies to their type of facility. 13. The removal warrant methodology has been made The types of crossing facilities included in this Guide are: clear, so that decision-makers can be confident with the recommendation resulting stemming from the data analysis. ● Signalized intersections; Chapter 14 provides guidance on human resources and ● All-way stop controlled intersections; various training aspects of an SCG. ● Minor street stop-controlled intersections; ● Intersection and midblock pedestrian signals; Finally, Chapter 15 provides public education to give general ● Pedestrians crossovers (intersection and mid-block); guidance on how to inform school staff, students, parents, ● Midblock locations; and guardians and the general public about the role of a school ● Roundabouts. crossing guard and how to obey the directions of a guard. Once it is determined that a school crossing guard is Appendices are included at the end of the Guide to provide warranted, chapters are provided on human resources needed additional detail and examples of some of the topics to staff the location, standard equipment, training and how to addressed in the Guide. respond to incidents. OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 3

CHAPTER 3 3 3.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION This chapter provides the context for this Guide by outlining supervise the movement of persons (as defined in the HTA) the Legislative Authority for school crossings provided by across a highway (the HTA term for any public road) by the Highway Traffic Act. It also defines the role of the school creating necessary gaps in vehicular traffic to provide safe crossing guard and provides other definitions for commonly passage at a designated school crossing location. used terms in the Guide. Finally, it addresses the differences between urban and rural school settings, new and 3.3 Definition of a School Crossing existing school sites and alternative solutions to school crossing guards that should be considered. A school crossing is a location supervised by a school crossing guard that has been recommended through a 3.1 Legislative Authority combination of a site inspection and a warrant evaluation process. These designated school crossings are identified by The Highway Traffic Act (HTA) sets out the rules of the pavement markings and signage as described in the Ontario road in Ontario, including the operation of school crossings Traffic Manual Books 6 and 11. and the role of school crossing guards. Several sections refer to pedestrians and road crossing regulations. Specific 3.4 Vision Zero legislation related to school crossings and the operation of school crossing guards is found in section 176 of the HTA Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and (R.S.O. 1990, Chapter H.8) and is provided in Appendix A severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable for reference. Of particular importance is the fact that school mobility for all. Several municipalities across Ontario have crossing guards can only be assigned if the speed limit is implemented Vision Zero policies. Children are considered equal to or less than 60 km/h. The references in this Guide part of the emphasis area of a Vision Zero plan. Measures are current as of January 23, 2017. Users of this Guide typically include engineering, education, enforcement and should refer to the original statutes for updates. implementation of technology. In the Vision Zero policies of many municipalities, the deployment of a school crossing Municipalities with a school crossing guard at locations with guard is considered a way to enhance the safety of students. posted speeds higher than 60km/h should consult their legal Police enforcement on offences related to pedestrian department and review opportunities to remove the school crossovers, school zone speed limits, intersections, illegally crossing guard at an appropriate time. For information stopped school buses and parking infractions near schools regarding the school crossing guard removal process, please is important to support school crossing guard operations. refer to Chapter 13. School Crossing Guards should be educated on the Vision Zero measures that may be in place in the vicinity of the In addition to the HTA, for candidate school crossing guard crossing and ways of communicating Vision Zero-related locations where the 85th percentile operating speed is issues to the appropriate staff. believed to be substantially higher than 60 km/h, a speed study may be considered. For the safety of the school crossing 3.5 Equity guard and students, mitigating measures or alternative route planning may be required if the 85th percentile speed is As with all transportation investments, there are important indeed notably higher than 60 km/h. equity considerations associated with the deployment of school crossing guards in a municipality. A safer walking 3.2 Role of the School Crossing Guard environment for students improves the ability for parents to not have to drive their children to school and reduces The role of the school crossing guard is to direct and stressors on other facets of life. Municipalities should seek 4 OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

CHAPTER 3 to deploy school crossing guards in all neighbourhoods. authority can be those appointed to complete the school The school crossing guard program should be reviewed crossing guard warrants and be responsible for the hiring through an equity lens for potential impacts on marginalized and training of crossing guard personnel. communities, such as low-income neighbourhoods. In addition, during the selection process of existing school Common school duration: This parameter represents crossing guard locations to survey for the purpose of the common duration for which all of the school crossing developing an Exposure Index, the practitioner should try guard locations operate for. A common school duration to consider locations spread across the municipality. The is to be established for each type of crossing control (i.e., selection and training of school crossing guards also should signalized, all-way stop) since it is a parameter for developing be geared towards all ages, ethnicities and gender, so long as the Exposure Index warrant that is unique for each type of the person demonstrates the ability to fulfill the duties of a crossing control. For example, if all of the minor-street school crossing guard. stop-controlled school crossing guard locations operate for at least 30 minutes during all of the school peak periods, 3.6 Definitions of Terms then the common school duration would be 30 minutes. This is important so that the Exposure Index warrant allows for There are a number of technical terms used throughout this “Apples to Apples” comparisons between the same type of Guide, and the key ones are defined in this section. Some of intersections and school crossing guard locations. these terms are common to other Ontario Traffic Manuals and Guides. In these cases, the definitions previously used Conflicting vehicular movement: In the context of in existing manuals and guides have been used again in this this guide, a conflicting vehicular movement is one that School Crossing Guard Guide to maintain consistency. interferes with or compromises the safety of the crossing of student volumes. The conflicting vehicular movements vary AADT: Abbreviation for Annual Average Daily Traffic, depending on the type of intersection, crossing or control which is the estimated total traffic volume for a typical day where students are crossing. The conflicting vehicular on a particular road segment. AADT data are commonly movements for each type of intersection and location are used to calculate traffic growth on a roadway. outlined in the respective sections of Chapters 6 to 12. All-way stop: An intersection where STOP signs are Controlled crossing: AA controlled crossing location is installed on all approaches. As per OTM Book 15, vehicles one with stop or yield signs, a pedestrian crossover (PXO), approaching a STOP sign in advance of a crosswalk are intersection pedestrian signals (IPS), midblock pedestrian required to stop at the stop bar, thereby yielding to vehicular signals (MPS) or full traffic control signals (TCS). At traffic and pedestrians whose arrival preceded theirs before controlled crossings, vehicles must obey the respective they, in turn, proceed. HTA regulations for each type of control. A school crossing in the absence of stop signs, IPS, PXO, MPS or TCS is Approval Authority: The Approval Authority, in the considered a controlled crossing only when the crossing is context of this guide, is the agency or regulatory body being supervised by a school crossing guard (OTM Book responsible for carrying out an evaluation process to make 15). Table 1 from OTM Book 15 summarizes the types of an executive decision or recommendation. The approval controlled crossings relative to the uncontrolled crossings, as shown below. Table 1: Controlled and uncontrolled crossings (OTM Book 15) Controlled Crossings Uncontrolled Crossings • Traffic Control Signals (TCS) • Mid-block Crossings (in the absence of MPS or • Intersection Pedestrian Signals (IPS) PXO) • Mid-block Pedestrian Signals (MPS) • Pedestrian Crossover (PXO) either at an inter- • Designated School Crossing (in the absence of a school crossing guard and without other forms of section or mid-block control such as TCS, IPS, MPS, PXO, Stop signs • Stop sign or Yield signs • Yield sign • School Crossing when a school crossing guard is • Marked Crossing (at an intersection in the ab- sence of Stop or Yield signs) supervising • Roundabouts OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 5

CHAPTER 3 Exposure Index method: The Exposure Index method pedestrians to cross a roadway and measuring the available is used in the transportation industry as a screening tool to gaps along the roadway to determine if there is a sufficient determine the need for safety-related initiatives. For example, number of safe gaps. The Gap Study method is one of the many municipalities use an Exposure Index as the primary school crossing guard warrants that are available to the screening tool to evaluate the need for grade separations at Approval Authority. railroad crossings by relating the rail and vehicular volumes. In the context of this guide, the Exposure Index method Heavy vehicle percentage: Refers to the proportion examines the level of interaction and conflict between of vehicular traffic passing through a given intersection or vehicular and student pedestrian volumes. The Exposure other reference point composed of trucks, buses and other Index method generates a graph based on historical trends heavy vehicles weighing over 3,856 kg as per regulatory at existing crossing guard locations. The graph is then used information provided by Environment and Climate Change as the threshold for future crossing locations where a school Canada, or the weight threshold established by each crossing guard may be required. municipality. Gap: IIn the context of this guide, it is measured as the Intersection: The area enclosed by the extension of lateral elapsed time between the rear of a lead vehicle passing a curb lines or, if none, of the rights-of-way of two or more location and the front of the following vehicle passing the highways that intersect one another at an angle, whether or same location, as shown in Figure 3-2. Gaps are measured not one highway crosses the other (OTM Book 11). as part of the Gap Study warrant methodology described in Chapter 5. Intersection pedestrian signal (IPS): Traffic control signals installed at intersections that are dedicated to Gap acceptance level: The minimum gap required providing controlled crossing opportunities for pedestrians. for road users, inclusive of pedestrians and drivers, to This is illustrated below in Figures 3-3 and 3-4. There are safely complete a specific manoeuvre, such as crossing an no traffic signals facing vehicles on the minor street. These intersection or roadway. vehicles are controlled by stop signs and have the option to proceed into the intersection when it is clear and safe to do Gap Study method: An objective process using so, similar to the operation of a minor street stop-controlled site observations to establish the safe gap threshold for intersection. Figure 3-2 Figure 3-3: Intersection Pedestrian Signal Figure 3-4: Components of an Intersection Pedestrian Signal (MTO - Driver’s Handbook) (OTM Book 15) 6 OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

CHAPTER 3 Junior kindergarten (JK): In Ontario, junior kindergarten is up to date as of the time of publishing this guide. Future refers to students who enter the kindergarten program at updates to the OTM books should be followed. age 4. Pedestrian crossover (PXO): Any portion of a roadway Legs of an intersection: The part of any one of the designated by municipal by-law, exclusively for pedestrian roadways radiating from an intersection which is outside the crossings and indicated by signs and pavement markings immediate area of the intersection proper. This is illustrated as prescribed by the regulations in the HTA. There are four in Figure 3-5. types of pedestrian crossovers that can be applied in Ontario, whether at an intersection or mid-block. These are further Midblock pedestrian signal (MPS): Traffic control discussed in Chapter 10 of this Guide. signals that are installed between two intersections and dedicated to providing a controlled crossing for pedestrians. Pedestrian crosswalk: A crosswalk means: This is shown in Figures 3-7 and 3-8. (a) That part of a highway at an intersection that is included within the connections of the lateral lines of the OTM: Abbreviation for Ontario Traffic Manual, which sidewalk on opposite sides of the highway measured from provides information and guidance for transportation the curbs or, in the absence of curbs, from the edges of the practitioners and promotes uniformity of treatment in the roadway; or design, application and operation of traffic control devices (b) Any portion of a roadway at an intersection or and systems across the province. The objective is safe driving elsewhere distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by behaviour, achieved by a predictable roadway environment signs or lines or other markings on the surface.. through the consistent and appropriate application of traffic control devices. The information based on the OTM books An example is shown in Figure 3-9. Figure 3-5: Legs of an Intersection Figure 3-6: Midblock Locations (Guelph) Figure 3-7: Midblock Pedestrian Signal (Guelph) Figure 3-8: Components of a Midblock Pedestrian signal (OTM Book 15) OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 7

CHAPTER 3 Figure 3-9: Pedestrian crosswalks Permissive phase: During a permissive phase, vehicles circumstances. Disregarding a regulatory sign constitutes an can manoeuvre in conjunction with other movements that offence under the HTA. may conflict. For example, permissive left turns enable drivers to proceed, but only when there is a sufficient gap in Right-of-way: In the context of this guide, the right- the opposing flow. Similarly, right turns on red allow drivers of-way is the allocation of time or priority to a road user to turn when there is a sufficient gap in the crossing traffic in preference over other road users. Road users include and the pedestrian flow. Additional information on traffic motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. signals is provided in OTM Book 12. Roundabout: A raised circular island located in the centre Phase of a traffic signal: The portion of a traffic signal of an intersection, which requires vehicles to travel through cycle where one or more movements receive a simultaneous the intersection in a counter-clockwise direction around the green or walk indication. The time required for a single island. Roundabouts are distinguished by YIELD signs and phase is the total of the green display plus the amber and all- raised splitter islands on all approaches, and in some cases, red interval times. Similarly, it can be the time required for gradual widening of the entry approach to two or more lanes. the walk plus the flashing, and solid don’t walk indications. For more information, see OTM Book 15. A roundabout is For more information, see OTM Book 12. shown in Figure 3-10. Protected phase: During a protected phase, vehicles can Rural area: An area outside of the limits of any incorporated manoeuvre without any conflict. For example, protected or unincorporated city, town, village or other designated left turns require the opposing flow and any conflicting residential or commercial area. Further discussion of rural pedestrian movements to be stopped on a red or don’t walk relative to urban areas in the context of this guide is provided indication. Protected phases can also be applied to through, in Chapter 3.5. or right turns where separate movements are necessary. For more information, see OTM Book 12. Stopping sight distance: As per the OTM, stopping sight distance is the distance required by a driver of a Refuge island: Medians placed in the centre of the vehicle, travelling at a given speed, to bring their vehicle roadway at midblock locations or unsignalized intersections. to a stop after an object on the roadway becomes visible. It As per OTM Book 15, refuge islands are intended to assist includes the distance travelled during the decision time plus pedestrians in crossing wide streets by providing a safe the vehicle braking distance. storage area in the centre of the road, allowing pedestrians to cross one direction of traffic at a time. The presence of a School crossing guard: A person 16 years or older refuge island reduces the time a pedestrian must wait for an who is directing the movement of persons (as defined in the adequate gap in the traffic stream and reduces the crossing HTA) across a highway (HTA term for any road) by creating distance that they must face at one time. necessary gaps in vehicular traffic to provide safe passage at a designated school crossing location. Regulatory sign: A traffic sign advising drivers of an action they must or must not do under a given set of 8 OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

CHAPTER 3 School crossing guard warrants: The process of other forms of active transportation (cycling, skateboarding, verifying whether one or multiple crossing guards are rollerblading, etc). The rationale is that these students may required for an intersection or location. The warrant process one day walk by themselves to and from school. It should be is intended to be an unbiased and consistent evaluation noted that parents who may be walking their children are not method that is done without outside influence. There may be to be counted. Bussed students are not typically recorded in multiple ways to complete a school crossing guard warrant the student count. Crossing Guards would not be assigned depending on the type of intersection and location being for bussed students since school buses are equipped with assessed flashing lights and a stop sign and can change their pick up/ drop off location if considered unsafe. School peak periods: The timeframes in the morning, midday and afternoon during which the majority of students Tab: A sign smaller than the primary sign with which it is arrive at and depart from school. associated and mounted below it. There are two types of tab signs: School zone: A roadway section with a lower speed zone in the vicinity of a school. The periods during which the 1) Supplementary tab signs contain additional, related lower speed limits are in effect are at the discretion of each information; and municipality. 2) Educational tab signs convey the meaning of symbols Sight line: An unobstructed view of a roadway or during their introductory period. intersection available to a pedestrian or other road user, which allows the user to anticipate and react to the movements of Traffic calming: The utilization of primarily physical others, as well as to choose gaps for crossing the roadway. measures to reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle Methods of evaluating sight line distance are provided in the use, alter driver behaviour and improve conditions for non- Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) – Geometric motorized street users. Design Guide for Canadian Roads – Part 1: Chapter 1.2.5 Sight Distance. Traffic control devices: Any sign, signal, marking or device placed upon, over or adjacent to a roadway by a public Speed bumps and humps: Raised pavement area that authority or official having jurisdiction for the purpose of extends transversely across the travel way with the primary regulating, warning, guiding or informing road users. For purpose of acting as a vertical traffic calming measure. Speed more information, see OTM Book 15. bumps usually have more abrupt raised areas and are not typically used on public roadways. Speed humps are more Traffic control signal (TCS): Any power-operated gradual and are utilized extensively in residential areas to Traffic Control Device, whether manually, electrically reduce both vehicular operating speeds and “through” traffic or mechanically operated, by which traffic is alternately volumes. directed to stop and permitted to proceed. A Traffic Signal: Splitter island: As per OTM Book 15, a splitter island 1) When used in general discussion, is a complete installation is a raised or painted area on an approach to a roundabout including signal heads, wiring, controller, poles and other that is used to separate entering and exiting traffic. It also appurtenances; deflects and slows entering traffic and provides storage space for pedestrians crossing the road into two stages and 2) When used specifically, the term refers to the signal head thus functioning as a refuge island. which conveys a message to the observer; and Student volume: The total number of students crossing at 3) That part of a traffic control signal system consists of a given intersection or reference point over a defined period one set of no less than three coloured lenses, red, amber and of time. Students are considered those in Junior Kindergarten green, mounted on a frame and commonly referred to as a (JK) to Grade 5. At the discretion of each municipality, more signal head. senior grades may be included in the student volume. For the purpose of crossing guard warrants, student volumes may Turn lane: A lane reserved for turning vehicles and include students walking with their parents and those using so indicated by pavement markings and sometimes OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 9

CHAPTER 3 supplemented by lane designation signs. process in order to evaluate the need for a school crossing guard. Using the steps outlined in this Guide, the Approval Uncontrolled crossing: In the context of this guide, Authority will be able to make an informed decision for uncontrolled crossings are locations where pedestrians do rural, suburban and urban locations. not have the right-of-way and must wait for a safe gap in traffic prior to attempting to enter the roadway. 3.8 New versus Existing School Site Urban area: An area of land used primarily for residential, The need for a school crossing guard at new versus existing commercial, recreational and/or industrial purposes, usually school sites can also be assessed using the methodology associated with a given city, town, village or incorporated set forth in this Guide. The site inspection and warrant area. Further discussion of rural relative to urban areas in the application process are designed to mitigate any differences context of this guide is provided in Chapter 3.5. between new and existing school sites so that a well-informed decision can be made. Vehicular volume: The number of vehicles that pass a given point on a lane or a roadway or make a particular For new school sites, the forecast of student and vehicular movement during a specific time period. traffic volumes likely will need to be analyzed as part of the overall assessment process. The vehicular volumes should 3.7 Urban versus Rural School Crossing be able to be obtained through a Traffic Impact Study that Locations would have been prepared during the process to develop the site plan for the school or a proxy site survey at a comparable Locations for school crossings in urban and rural locations school location. The student volumes can be estimated based may exhibit different characteristics, including student and on the maximum school enrolment as well as the catchment vehicular volumes, posted speed limits, topography, driving area of each school. A guard may be proactively assigned patterns and a mix of vehicle types. at school opening. Once the school opens, the combination site inspection and warrants may be completed to evaluate if Some municipalities include slight variations in the number warrants are met and whether the positioning of a guard is of student pedestrians or the volume of vehicular traffic appropriate. required to warrant a school crossing guard. In general, lower traffic volumes and fewer students are required in 3.9 Alternative Solutions other than Crossing rural settings to warrant a school crossing guard compared Guards to urban locations. AA school crossing guard should not be considered the only As a guide for all of Ontario, this School Crossing Guard or first tool to improve the safety of students as they cross Guide has been designed to be tailored to the individual roadways to and from school. Furthermore, school crossing needs of each municipality. The Exposure Index worksheet guards should not be assigned as a means of addressing provided in Appendix C and discussed in Chapter 5 allows illegal parking. The assignment municipalities to determine their own threshold given their locally observed volumes of students and vehicles. of a school crossing guard does not impact illegal parking or stopping in the vicinity of guard supervision. Instead, Recognizing that tools such as the Exposure Index parking or stopping concerns should be dealt with through method or the Gap Study Method are only one step in By-law compliance and enforcement. the overall evaluation of a location for a school crossing guard, observations made during site inspections must be During the site inspection process (Chapter 4), the surveyor considered. The site-specific characteristics are often the must observe if the following options are feasible depending best indicators of the need for school crossing guards, so it on the type of intersection or crossing: may be irrelevant as to whether a crossing is located within an urban or rural location. Signalized intersections This Guide recommends a thorough site inspection of the ● Educating students and parents on how to cross at local context and the application of the appropriate warrant signalized intersections properly. For instance, the use of 10 OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

CHAPTER 3 pedestrian pushbuttons or how to interpret the signal phases; traffic signals or an all-way stop-controlled arrangement is the most suitable type of control; ● If safer routes that lead to and from the school exist, students should be directed to use that route instead of the ● Traffic enforcement, such as the implementation of speed signalized intersection; cameras and stop compliance; and If there is a high volume of conflicting traffic on one leg of ● Modification of parking regulations based on parking an intersection, student volumes should be directed to cross patterns. an alternate leg of the intersection; Minor street stop-controlled intersections ● Review the walk and flashing don’t walk times to ensure that they are sufficient for student pedestrians to walk safely ● Educating students and parents on how to cross at minor across the intersection. Signal timings may need to be ad- street stop-controlled intersections properly; justed; ● If safer routes that lead to and from the school exist, student ● The installation of traffic calming devices such as curb pedestrians should be directed to use that route instead of at extensions, medians or refuge islands; the side street stop-controlled intersection; ● The implementation of leading pedestrian interval – where- ● If there is a high volume of conflicting traffic on one leg of by pedestrians have advanced right of way so that they enter an intersection, student volumes should be directed to cross the intersection earlier and are more visible to motorists; an alternate leg of the intersection; ● Would right-turn on red or turning prohibitions (at all ● The use of signage, traffic devices or markings that make times or during specific time periods) assist pedestrian cross- drivers aware of the presence of a school crossing; ing safety; ● The installation of traffic calming devices such as curb ● Traffic enforcement, such as the implementation of speed extensions, speed humps, medians or refuge islands; or red light cameras; and ● Conducting signal warrants (OTM Book 12) and all-way ● Modification of parking regulations based on parking pat- stop control warrants (OTM Book 5) to evaluate whether terns. traffic signals or an all-way stop-controlled arrangement are adequate types of control; All-way stop-controlled intersections ● Traffic enforcement, such as the implementation of speed Educating students and parents on how to cross at all-way cameras and stop compliance; and stop-controlled intersections properly; ● Modification of parking regulations based on parking ● If safer routes that lead to and from the school exist, patterns. students should be directed to use that route instead of at the all-way stop-controlled intersection; Midblock uncontrolled intersections ● If there is a high volume of conflicting traffic on one leg of ● Educating students and parents on how to cross at midblock an intersection, student volumes should be directed to cross locations properly; an alternate leg of the intersection; ● If safer routes that lead to and from the school exist, student ● The installation of traffic calming devices such as curb pedestrians should be directed to use that route instead of the extensions, medians or refuge islands; midblock uncontrolled intersection; ● Conducting signal warrants (OTM Book 12) and all-way ● The installation of traffic calming devices such as curb stop control warrants (OTM Book 5) to evaluate whether extensions, speed humps, median or refuge islands; OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 11

CHAPTER 3 4 ● Conducting intersection pedestrian signal warrants and pedestrian crossover (OTM Book 15) warrants to evaluate whether traffic signals or pedestrian crossovers are adequate types of control enhanced levels of pedestrian crossing is warranted; ● Traffic enforcement, such as the implementation of speed cameras; and ● Modification of parking regulations based on parking patterns. 12 OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

CHAPTER 4 4 4.0 SITE INSPECTION when the highest number of students are walking to or from Site inspections are an important component of assessing school; the need for school crossing guards. In addition to the control-specific data collection detailed in the warrant ● School enrollment data and demographics such as age chapters, this chapter outlines the “who, why, what, where, distribution; when and how” of the site inspection process 4.1 Who ● Weather and road conditions during the site inspection; The process recommends appointing a Site Inspection ● Proximity of the potential school crossing to the school; Authority, comprised of either a single person or a group, who will be responsible for conducting the site inspections ● Any “near misses” observed; as part of the school crossing guard evaluation. Designating a stable person or group as the Site Inspection Authority ● Distance of the potential crossing location to the nearest helps to improve the consistency of site inspections. upstream and downstream crossings or intersections; 4.2 Why ● Presence of sidewalks in the vicinity of the potential school crossing location; Site inspections are usually the first step taken in the school crossing guard evaluation process. It may be followed ● Posted speed limit; by or completed in conjunction with the control-specific warrant surveys such as gap studies or traffic counts. The ● Observations of aggressive driving patterns and non- purpose of the site inspection is to identify and assess compliance with the Highway Traffic Act; apparent hazards at a potential school crossing location. Implementation of a school crossing should be considered ● Intersection or crossing geometry, such as the number of only after all of the other options discussed in Chapter 3.7 lanes in each direction; have been exhausted. ● Width of the potential school crossing location (for 4.3 What locations that involve gap studies); The site inspection report contains information about site ● Quantity and pattern of school buses or public transit, as conditions. It is used to determine whether the proposed well as stop locations; school crossing location is safe for students or if there are alternative solutions to any identified safety issues that ● Availability of alternative routes that would be safer for would make the crossing safer. The site inspection should students to utilize; capture, at a minimum, the following operational and geometric characteristics of the potential school crossing ● Route surveys that may explain certain route preferences. location: For example, major origin and destination locations, shortcuts, attractions, transit patterns or high-traffic volume ● Time period of observations; areas. It should be noted that crossing guards would not be provided if a certain location is outside the school’s ● School hours; boundary ● Peak morning, midday and afternoon school periods ● Number of students crossing at the potential crossing OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 13

CHAPTER 4 ● Pedestrian Crossovers (PXO) – midblock or at an intersection; and location; ● Roundabouts. ● Approximate proportion of students being walked by parents; ● Existing control type, if any, at the potential crossing School crossing guards are not typically deployed to assist location; students crossing a private driveway. Private driveways are usually stop-controlled and thus, students crossing the ● Is the existing control, if any, utilized properly? For driveway would already have the right-of-way. There are example, do students know how to use the pedestrian push also liability considerations when determining the need for buttons, or are they familiar with how to cross at a PXO or a school crossing guard at a private driveway. roundabout? 4.5 When ● Are there queue spill-overs, illegal parking or lay-bys encumbering the safety of students crossing at the potential Site inspections and data collection should be done during crossing location? typical school days. The following atypical days should be avoided: ● Are there any temporary or permanent sightline obstructions such as hedges, fences, trees or billboards? ● First and last week of school; ● Are there any steep vertical or horizontal grades? For ● Christmas break; example, is the candidate crossing location near a road ● Spring break; underpass or overpass? ● Are there any school staff, patrollers or volunteers ● Statutory, public and “elective” holidays such as assisting with student crossings? Remembrance Day; ● Are there any signs or pavement markings in the vicinity ● For schools that are private or cater to a particular segment of the potential school crossing, and are they clearly of the population, then the respective days of significance or legible, and do they conform to the OTM requirements? holidays should be avoided; 4.4 Where ● Days that precede or follow a holiday break; Site inspections are generally conducted at potential school ● Professional Activity (PA) days; crossing guard locations that may include: ● Days that precede or follow a PA day; ● Signalized intersections; ● Days with special events at the school, such as a concert ● Mid-block locations without any form of traffic control; or track and field; and ● All-way stop-controlled intersections; ● Days with inclement weather; ● Minor-street stop-controlled intersections; ● Days when there is planned or emergency roadway construction that influences the vehicular and/or student ● Intersections controlled by an Intersection Pedestrian volume patterns; and Signal (IPS); ● In areas where traffic patterns are influenced by the broader ● Locations controlled by a Mid-block Pedestrian Signal context, the site visit and data collection should capture (MPS); representative conditions. For example, a winter cottage destination may have substantially different traffic patterns 14 OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

CHAPTER 4 during the off-season. 4.6 How Site inspections should be completed during the morning, Standard report forms should be developed by each midday and afternoon school peak periods, which are municipality to be used for all site inspections. Appendix B usually 30 minutes before the school start time, during the provides sample generic site inspection forms as well as ones lunch period, and 30 minutes after the school dismissal time, from various municipalities in Ontario. This form should respectively. If there is a high demand of students walking cover the list of items noted in the “what” section above. home for lunch, depending on the school policy, then a site After the inspection form is completed, the information visit during the lunch period may be considered as well. The can then be input to the school crossing guard evaluation duration of site inspections may vary d processes outlined in Chapters 6 to 12. period may be inspected depending on the school’s policy Logistically speaking, a consistent routing and handling of during the lunch break. The exact timing of the school site inspection requests should be established. For example, start and dismissal may also vary among different schools a process should be in place for School Boards to advise and municipalities. In addition to the initial site inspection the Site Inspection Authority of new school openings, conducted at the start of the school crossing guard evaluation, school closings, changes to school boundaries, changes in regular site inspections may be scheduled to monitor future school start and dismissal times or busing changes that could conditions with or without school crossing guards. It should impact student crossing safety. Contact information of the also be noted that prior to site visits and data collection, the Site Inspection Authority should be readily accessible to school authorities should be consulted to determine if there schools, the local police service or any member of the public are attenuating situations that are resulting in abnormal levels who may have a question or concern about student safety of in-person learning. For example, during the COVID-19 related to school crossings. pandemic, a high degree of virtual learning was taking place and so site visits and data collection during this period would not have been meaningful OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 15

CHAPTER 5 5 5.0 SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD WARRANT METHODOLOGIES 5.1 Context the need for school crossing guards at signalized, all-way stop-controlled and minor-street stop-controlled crossing Once it is determined that other alternatives, as discussed facilities. The need for the Exposure Index method was due in Chapter 3.7, are not sufficient to provide a safe student to the lack of warrant information at controlled crossing crossing environment, a school crossing guard warrant locations in the previous OTC School Crossing Guard Guide needs to be completed. Based on a best practice review of and difficulties encountered when applying the Gap Study several municipalities within Ontario, there are two methods method at controlled locations. The Gap Study method to conduct the warrant: featured prominently in the previous OTC School Crossing Guard Guide, does not fully account for the conflicting 1) Exposure Index method: a warrant methodology suitable movements between vehicular and student volumes at for controlled crossing facilities that have conflicting controlled crossing facilities. movements between vehicular and student volumes; or The 2002 Exposure Indices were developed based on the 2) Gap Study a method: a warrant methodology suitable for peak hour vehicular and student volumes at existing school uncontrolled crossing locations. The Gap Study method may crossing guard locations in the Town of Oakville. The also be used to evaluate some controlled crossing facilities. Exposure Index establishes the 85th percentile threshold of the existing locations. This threshold is then used to In addition to methods 1 and 2, other site-specific factors evaluate the level of conflicting vehicular and student need to be considered in the school crossing guard warrant volumes at potential school crossing guard locations. The process. Exposure Index method can also be used as a prioritization tool because it allows for an easy comparison of the level An overview of the above methods is provided in the of conflicting movements between different school crossing following sections. guard locations. 5.2 Exposure Index Method Exposure Indices were also developed for the Town ofAjax as part of the Traffic Operations at Schools Study, dated March In the transportation industry, the Exposure Index method 2006. Because the 2002 and 2006 Exposure Indices were is used as a screening tool to determine the need for safety developed based on data collected in the Town of Oakville improvement initiatives. For example, many municipalities and the Town of Ajax, respectively, it is recommended that use the Exposure Index method as the primary screening each municipality develop their own Exposure Indices. tool to objectively evaluate the need for grade separations This approach ensures that the input data accounts for the at railway crossings. In this context, the Exposure Index municipality-specific characteristics. method relates the average number of trains that crosses a specific location along a road and the average daily traffic For municipalities that are not able to develop their own that crosses the railway at the same location. The Exposure Exposure Indices for reasons such as the lack of existing Index is also used by rail authorities such as Metrolinx to School Crossing Guard locations, it is recommended that the evaluate and prioritize the need for grade separations at their at-grade rail crossings because it allows for an “apples to Approval Authority consult other municipalities that have apples” comparison among multiple locations. similar characteristics such as population, density, school structure, or school arrival and dismissal periods. The In 2002, HDR (formerly iTrans) collaborated with the Exposure Indices from a suitable municipality can be used Town of Oakville to develop Exposure Indices to evaluate as an interim school crossing guard warrant. Eventually, when more crossing guards have been designated, the 16 OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

CHAPTER 5 Approval Authorities have the option of developing their 5.3 Gap Study Method own Exposure Indices. The Gap Study method is an objective means of evaluating The Exposure Index method requires the Approval Authority whether there are enough safe gaps in traffic along a road to exercise good engineering judgement on whether an for students to cross. The safe gap time is calculated based existing school crossing guard location should be included on the site-specific characteristics of each location. The as part of the model input data. For example, if an existing calculated safe gap time is then used as a benchmark for the school crossing guard location has seen a drastic decrease gaps measured at the crossing facility. If there are insufficient in student crossing demand since the school crossing guard gaps, then a school crossing guard may be considered. inception, then data from this crossing location should not be Further descriptions of the methodology and an Excel-based used to develop the Exposure Index. Other outliers that should gap survey form to help municipalities log and process the not be included are locations where school crossing guards gap data s arise provided in Appendix D. have been provided due to external influences that would have otherwise not resulted in a guard being warranted. The Based on the best practice review, the Gap Study method is inclusion of such school crossing guard locations will skew most effective for evaluating School Crossing Guard needs the Exposure Indices. The need for school crossing guards at the following types of crossing facilities: due to unique circumstances is separately evaluated in the consideration of the other site-specific factors, as discussed ● Minor street stop controlled intersection Chapter 8 in Chapter 5.4. ● Midblock uncontrolled locations Chapter 11 It should be noted that an Exposure Index should be developed for each type of crossing facility. The Exposure Index ● Roundabout Chapter 12 template is a Microsoft Excel document, and instructions on how to access and use it are provided in Appendix C. An The Gap Study method is not generally suitable for fully Excel-based data processing template has also been provided controlled intersections/approaches because the gaps to assist with the processing of raw traffic, turning movement provided at these locations are a natural by-product of the and student counts into the data required for the Exposure intersection control. The exception for this is at more urban Index template. Different data processing templates are locations where conflicting vehicular movements are high, provided for each type of intersection control since the even when the pedestrian has the right-of-way. Under these classification of conflicting vehicular movement varies by circumstances, the gaps available for pedestrians to cross control type. Because Since it is important to include only safely should be evaluated. the conflicting vehicular movements in the Exposure Index method, the conflicting movements at each type of crossing The step-by-step method of the Gap Study methodology at intersection are provided in each of the respective chapters minor street stop-controlled intersections and, at midblock below, along with step-by-step instructions on how to apply locations and roundabouts are outlined in Chapters 8, 11 the Exposure Index method: and 12, respectively. ● Signalized intersection Chapter 6 5.4 Other Factors ● All-way stop controlled intersection Chapter 7 It is important to note that in addition to the Exposure Index ● Minor street stop controlled intersection Chapter 8 and Gap Study methods, there are several other factors to ● Intersection pedestrian signal intersection Chapter 9 consider when evaluating the need for a School Crossing ● Intersection or mid-block Pedestrian crossover Guard. There may be instances where either controlled intersection Chapter 10 or uncontrolled locations fail to meet the Exposure Index ● Roundabout Chapter 12 or the Gap Study warrant requirements. This does not automatically mean that a School Crossing Guard should not be considered further. Likewise, locations that satisfy the Exposure Index and Gap Study warrants do not always need a Crossing Guard. It is the responsibility of the authority to OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 17

CHAPTER 5 review the following list of factors before completing the 5.5 Frequency of School Crossing Guard warrant evaluation: Reassessment ● Minimum student crossing volume; Some municipalities may want to define the frequency of reassessing the need for school crossing guards at either ● Collision hazard reporting frequency; existing or candidate locations. The frequency defined in the respective policy of each municipality may have a ● Motorist behaviour; substantial implication on the resources required to conduct the reassessments. Establishing a frequency of reassessment ● Posted speed limit and speed adherence; prevents the public from repeatedly requesting new warrants and data collection to be performed for the same location ● Number of lanes on each approach; if it has been recently assessed and found to not meet the warrant. It may also be an opportunity for a municipality to ● Sightline distance for drivers; review its inventory of school crossing guard locations and adjust to meet changing patterns. ● Sightline distance for students; It is recommended that the frequency for review be set at a ● Proximity to a school; minimum of two years. Typically, traffic data are considered acceptable for transportation studies for a two-year window. ● Walking route preference of students; For example, if a municipality decides to establish a reassessment frequency of three years, then it means that ● Presence of pedestrian facilities; and; only one warrant may be completed at a particular location every three years. The exception is when there have been ● Proximity of students that would require longer reaction notable changes to the surrounding environment and context times. of the candidate school crossing guard location (i.e., new high-density development or roadway work that results in a Because some of the above factors vary depending on the new traffic pattern). In this case, a new warrant study may be type of crossing facilities being evaluated, the details of conducted notwithstanding the three-year window and past these factors are discussed in the individual warrant sections results. in Chapters 6 to 12. 18 OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

CHAPTER 6 6 6.0 SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD WARRANT AT SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION This chapter describes the process of determining whether Quantitative: or not to assign a school crossing guard at a signalized intersection. The chapter begins with a description of the ● Count the conflicting vehicular volume as specified in data that needs to be collected, followed by the steps required Step 4 of Chapter 6.3.2 during the morning, midday and to develop an Exposure Index, along with how to apply the afternoon school peak periods that are being evaluated warrant to candidate signalized intersections. Other factors (i.e., morning, lunch and dismissal peak periods). It should to consider in the warrant process are also provided. be noted the timing of data collection should follow the principles outlined in Section 4.5; 6.1 Context ● Count the number of students that cross each leg of the As per OTM Book 15 – Pedestrian Crossing Treatments, intersection during the morning, midday lunch, and afternoon crossing guards are assigned to signalized intersections in dismissal school peak periods. Students are considered those order to assist students who encounter conflicting turning in JK to Grade 5. At the discretion of each municipality, more movements. Prior to conducting a warrant analysis at a senior grades may be included in the student count volume. signalized intersection, it is important to understand the For the purpose of crossing guard warrants, student volumes fundamental characteristics of this type of crossing facility include students walking with their parents and those using from the perspective of a school crossing guard. With the other forms of active transportation (i.e., rollerblading or exception of protected phases, vehicles are permitted to cycling). These student counts are to be done in 55-minute turn across the parallel pedestrian crosswalks on a “walk” increments and should be completed with the corresponding indication. As a result, there may be simultaneous vehicle conflicting vehicular movement count done concurrently and pedestrian movements during the pedestrian “walk” and with the conflicting vehicular volume count; vehicle “green” indications. In addition, vehicles making a “right turn on red” may also conflict with pedestrians on ● Monitor the vehicular speeds in the vicinity if speed the crosswalk. School crossing guards may be needed at compliance is of concern; and signalized intersections if the degree of vehicle-to-student conflict exceeds the threshold established by the warrant. ● Note the conflicting vehicular volumes that are heavy vehicles. Higher proportions of heavy vehicles at an As noted in Chapter 3, school crossing guards can only be intersection may impede the sight lines of motorists or assigned if the posted speed limit is equal to or less than students proceeding through the intersection.. 60 km/h. Moreover, if the 85th percentile operating speed is found to be notably higher than 60 km/h, then the location Qualitative: may not be a safe location for school crossing guard operations, and alternative school crossing opportunities ● Aggressiveness or indecision of drivers during the amber should be investigated. and all red indications; 6.2 Data Collection ● Poor driver behaviour such as not yielding the right-of- way to pedestrians, not coming to a complete stop at the In addition to the site inspection process outlined in Chapter intersection prior to turning on a red display, drivers inching 4, additional data and observations are needed to complete forward thus intimidating pedestrians in the crosswalk, or the school crossing guard warrant at a signalized intersection. drivers manoeuvring through pedestrians as they cross the These items include: roadway; and ● The students appear timid in crossing the roadway or do OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 19

6C.H0ASPCTHEORO6L CROSSING GUARD WARRANT AT SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION not seem to be properly trained on how to cross the road Step 3: For the leg of the intersection that is being crossed with safely. This may include forgetting to push the pedestrian the assistance of a guard, identify the conflicting vehicular pushbutton if one is pr esent or entering the roadway after movements. In the context of this Guide, the conflicting the “Flashing Don’t Walk” indication commences. movements for different legs of a signalized intersection are shown in Figures 6-1 to 6-4. These conflicting vehicular 6.3 Warrant Method movements have the most direct correlation with the safety of student crossings. As noted in Chapter 3.4, a permissive 6.3.1 Exposure Index phase is when vehicles can maneuver in conjunction with other movements that may conflict. For example, right turns As discussed in Chapter 5.1, the school crossing guard on red allow drivers to turn when there is a sufficient gap in warrant at a signalized intersection is best evaluated with the crossing traffic and the pedestrian flow. the Exposure Index method, along with the consideration of other factors. The application of the Exposure Index method On the north leg of the intersection, during the east-west is done in two phases. The initial phase is to develop an green indication, the conflicting vehicular movements are: Exposure Index for signalized intersections. The second phase is to use the Exposure Index method to evaluate ● Southbound right turns on red; candidate signalized intersections as to the need for school crossing guards. ● Eastbound left turns during the permissive phase; and 6.3.2 Developing an Exposure Index ● Westbound right turns during the permissive phase. The step-by-step procedure for developing an Exposure These conflicting movements are illustrated in Figure 6-1. Index at signalized intersections is provided as follows, with the template provided in Appendix C. Step 4: Count the conflicting vehicular volume for each of the legs being evaluated (as defined in Step 3) during the Step 1: Review all of the signalized intersections that school peak periods in 5-minute increments. The interval currently have a school crossing guards in place. Obvious duration of the counts would be based on the periods where outlier locations where school crossing guards may not the school crossing guards are operating at each location normally be needed should not be included since they would would be based on the uniform duration established in Step skew the threshold established to evaluate candidate school 2, and the movements counted are established in Step 3. crossing guard locations. For very large municipalities which For candidate locations where a school crossing guard is have a significant number of crossing guard locations, it may not present, the broader school peak period may be counted be difficult or impractical to review “all” of the crossings in (i.e., 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.) to identify the peak periods. their jurisdictions. Accordingly, these municipalities could The counts should be completed on typical school days, gather a representative sample size that is statistically valid as discussed further in Chapter 4.5. This step needs to be as a basis for analysis. applied for all of the school peak periods being studied (i.e., morning, lunch and dismissal periods). An example of this Step 2: Review the duration of current school crossing guard step is shown in Figure 6-5. supervision at all of the signalized intersections during the morning, midday and afternoon school peak periods. Then Step 5: CCount the student crossing volumes at the leg of determine a common school duration that best satisfies all of the intersection that is being crossed with the assistance of the signalized intersections. For example, if school crossing the school crossing guard or the candidate leg that is being guards are currently implemented at a minimum of 30 studied. The count needs to be done in 5-minute increments minutes at all of the signalized intersections during various and during the same period as the conflicting vehicular school peak periods, then the common school duration would count completed concurrently and for the same duration as be 30 minutes. The purpose of this is to establish a common the vehicular count in Step 42. observation duration so that all subsequent evaluations can be completed on the same basis. Students are, at a minimum, to be those in JK to Grade 5 and beyond at the discretion of each municipality. Students crossing with their parents or using other forms of active 20 OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

CHAPTER 6 transportation should also be included in the count. Bussed Step 7: Identify the Select the school peak period for each students are not typically recorded in the student count. signalized intersection that has the highest product of Crossing Guards would not be assigned for bussed students student crossing volume and conflicting vehicular volume. since school buses are equipped with flashing lights and a For example, the morning and afternoon school peak periods stop sign and can change their pick up/drop off location if were counted at a signalized intersection, and the products of considered unsafe. This step needs to be applied for all of the student and conflicting vehicular volume were calculated to school peak periods being studied (i.e., morning, lunch and be 1,000 and 1,700, respectively. In this case, the conflicting dismissal periods). Figure 6-5 provides an example of this step. vehicular volume and student crossing volume during the school afternoon peak period would be the critical dataset Step 6: SSum up the student volumes counted in Step 5 that is used for this intersection using the common school duration (i.e., 30 minutes) that was established in Step 3. For example, for a common Step 8: Input the critical dataset of conflicting vehicular school duration of 30 minutes, 6 five-minute intervals would volume and the student crossing volume for each signalized be added up. Repeat this step for the conflicting volumes intersection into the Exposure Index template that is during the common school duration. If the observation/ presented in Appendix C. count interval is longer than the common school duration, then there will be multiple products. This step needs to be Step 9: Once Step 8 is complete, the Microsoft Excel applied for all of the school peak periods being studied (i.e., worksheet will automatically generate the 85th percentile morning, lunch and dismissal periods). An example of this curve of the input data. This curve represents the threshold step is shown in Figure 6-5 student crossing volume by the used to evaluate the need for school crossing guards at conflicting vehicular volume for each intersection and for signalized intersections. each school period evaluated. Figure 6-1: Conflicting movements for pedestrians Figure 6-2: Conflicting movements for pedestrians on the North leg on the South leg On the North leg of the intersection during the east-west On the South leg of the intersection during the east-west green indication, the conflicting vehicular movements green indication, the conflicting vehicular movements are: are: ● Southbound right turns on red; ● Northbound right turns on red; ● Eastbound left turns during the permissive phase; and ● Westbound left turns during the permissive phase; and ● Westbound right turns during the permissive phase. ● Eastbound right turns during the permissive phase OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 21

6C.H0ASPCTHEORO6L CROSSING GUARD WARRANT AT SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION Figure 6-3: Conflicting movements for pedestrians Figure 6-4: Conflicting movements for pedestrians on the East leg on the West leg On the East leg of the intersection during the north-south On the West leg of the intersection during the north-south green indication, the conflicting vehicular movements are: green indication, the conflicting vehicular movements are: ● Westbound right turns on red; ● Eastbound right turns on red; ● Southbound left turns during the permissive phase; and ● Northbound left turns during the permissive phase; and ● Northbound right turns during the permissive phase. ● Southbound right turns during the permissive phase. 6.3.3 Using the Exposure Index for Warrants Step 4: Input the conflicting vehicular volume and student crossing volume to the appropriate table of the Exposure Once an Exposure Index has been developed for signalized Index template. If the resulting point on the graph that intersections, the following steps can be taken to evaluate corresponds to the location being evaluated is located above potential school crossing guard locations that are signalized: the 85th percentile line, then the Exposure Index warrant is met. If the resulting point is plotted below the 85th percentile Step 1: Establish the leg of the intersection that would be line, then the signalized intersection being evaluated does most suitable for a school crossing guard. This is typically not meet the Exposure Index threshold for requiring school based on the observed tendency of how students cross at crossing guards. In either case, the other factors discussed in an intersection or based on the preference of the school Chapter 6.3.4 need to be considered. to establish a safer route. Care should be taken to respect natural “desire lines” rather than trying to force students to As noted in Chapter 5.2, for municipalities that are not take a more indirect or circuitous route. able to develop their own Exposure Indices for reasons such as the lack of existing School Crossing Guard locations, Step 2: Identify the conflicting vehicular movements for it is recommended that the Approval Authority consult the leg of the intersection that was established in Step 1. other municipalities that have similar characteristics such The conflicting movements for each leg of a signalized as population, density and school structure. The Exposure intersection are shown in Figures 6-1 to 6-4. Indices from a suitable municipality can be used as an interim school crossing guard warrant. Eventually, when Step 3: Count the conflicting vehicular volumes and more crossing guards have been designated, the Approval student crossing volumes during the school peak periods. Authority has the option of developing its own Exposure The duration of the counts would be based on the uniform Indices. It should be noted that the same common school duration that is used in the Exposure Index method, as duration would need to be applied while using the Exposure established in Step 2 in Chapter 6.3.2. The count should Indices from other municipalities to maintain an “Apples to be completed on typical school days, as discussed further in Apples” evaluation. Chapter 4.5. 22 OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

CHAPTER 6 student crossings. Collision Hazard Reporting Frequency: Over the previous three years, there has been an average of more than two reported collisions per year during school operations that are susceptible to correction by a school crossing guard. A municipality may focus on collisions that take place on weekdays, generally between 7AM and 5PM or specifically during the school morning, lunch and dismissal periods. It is at the discretion of a municipality what types of collision incidents to include – it could either be those involving pedestrians and cyclists or, to be more conservative, all types of collision. In the event that a killed or serious incident (KSI) has occurred at a candidate crossing location, then a municipality could implement an interim school crossing guard until a more thorough investigation into the root cause of the KSI. Figure 6-5: Sample Log of Conflicting Vehicular & Student Inadequate Visibility: During the site visit, pedestrian Count for an Approach and motorist visibility should be evaluated based on the presence of: 6.3.4 Other Factors ● Vertical or horizontal road geometries; As noted in Chapter 5.3, the Exposure Index method should be supplemented with a review of other factors to ensure a ● Permanent or temporary physical barriers such as trees, comprehensive assessment of the need for school crossing shrubs, billboards, bus shelters or buildings; or guards is completed. These factors include: ● High frequency of heavy vehicles. Minimum Student Crossing Volume: Too establish a consistent method of evaluation, the minimum number of Methods of evaluating sight distance are provided in the students crossing during the common school peak duration Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) – Geometric periods should be set at a threshold of 40 students. The Design Guide for Canadian Roads – Part 1: Chapter 1.2.5 common school duration is the one that has been defined as Sight Distance. part of the Exposure Index development (step 2). For example, if school crossing guards are currently implemented at a Number of Gaps Available at Urban Locations: minimum of 30 minutes at all of the signalized intersections In highly urban locations where mixed uses surround a during various school peak periods, then the common school school site and where the number of conflicting vehicular duration would be 30 minutes. A lower minimum student movements is consistently high, the actual number of gaps threshold value may be used at the discretion of each during the pedestrian phase should be monitored. Under municipality. For instance, a municipality can establish a these circumstances, the Gap Study method can be used to minimum threshold of 30 students crossing at a signalized complete the school crossing guard warrant. Details of the intersection during the common school duration. Regardless Gap Study method are provided in Chapter 5.3. of the threshold, the use of a uniform value throughout the municipality provides a quantitative tool for prioritizing the Proximity to a School: In general, school crossing guards implementation of school crossing guards. The benefits are to should be assigned at intersections or crossings where the ensure consistency of application and to allow municipalities subject school to be served is visible or in proximity. In to focus their resources at school crossings where student addition, the site inspection process should also verify which utilization is higher. If the student crossing volumes do not route students prefer to take. The combination of these two meet the minimum threshold, alternate solutions outlined in aspects will help determine the appropriate location for a Chapter 3.7 should be considered to improve the safety of school crossing guard. A signalized intersection may meet OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 23

CHAPTER 6 the Exposure Index requirements, but it may not lead to the preferable route for students. 6.4 Signage and Pavement Markings As per OTM Book 6 - Warning Signs Section 7, signed school crossings must not be located at pedestrian crossovers or at any signalized intersections. Thus, no school-related signs or pavement markings should be placed at a signalized intersection. Any deviation from the OTM requirements should be supported by a well-documented rationale. 24 OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

CHAPTER 7 7 7.0 SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD WARRANT AT ALL-WAY STOP-CONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS This chapter describes the process of determining whether crossing guards can only be implemented if the speed limit or not to assign a school crossing guard at an all-way is less than 60 km/h. stop-controlled intersection. The chapter begins with a description of the data that needs to be collected. Next, the 7.2 Data Collection steps required to develop an Exposure Index is provided, along with how to apply the warrant to candidate all-way In addition to the site inspection process outlined in Chapter stop-controlled intersections. Other factors to consider in the 4, additional data and observations are needed to complete warrant process are also provided. the school crossing guard warrant at an all-way stop- controlled intersection. These items include: 7.1 Context Quantitative: An all-way stop control is when STOP signs are installed on all approaches to an intersection. As per the Highway Traffic ● Count the conflicting vehicular volume as specified in Act, vehicles approaching a stop sign at an intersection must Step 4 of Chapter 7.3.2 during the morning, midday and stop at the stop bar, or if none, before the nearest crosswalk, afternoon school peak periods that are being evaluated thereby yielding to vehicular traffic and pedestrians on the (i.e., morning, lunch and dismissal peak periods). It should approaches with the right-of-way. From a safety perspective, be noted the timing of data collection should follow the pedestrians at an all-way stop-controlled intersection are principles outlined in Section 4.5; expected to: ● Count the number of students that cross each leg of the · Cross only at marked crosswalks, but not in the middle of intersection during the morning, midday lunch, and afternoon the block or between parked cars; and dismissal school peak periods. Students are considered those in JK to Grade 5. At the discretion of each municipality, more · Make eye contact with the driver and ensure they have senior grades may be included in the student count volume. come to a complete stop before entering the crosswalk. For the purpose of crossing guard warrants, student volumes include students walking with their parents and those using As per OTM Book 15, stop controls at an intersection other forms of active transportation (i.e., rollerblading or provide clear opportunities for pedestrians to cross different cycling). These student counts are to be done in 5-minute legs of intersections. The selection of stop control is based increments and need to be completed with the corresponding on guidelines provided in OTM Book 5 – Regulatory conflicting vehicular movement count done concurrently Signs. Consistent with OTM Book 5 Section 2, all-way with the conflicting vehicular volume count; stop controls should not be used where the protection of pedestrians, students in particular, is the prime concern. This ● Monitor the vehicular speeds in the vicinity if speed concern can usually be addressed by other means, such as compliance is of concern; and school crossing guards. ● Note the conflicting vehicular volumes that are heavy As noted in Chapter 3, school crossing guards can only be vehicles. Higher proportions of heavy vehicles at an assigned if the posted speed limit is equal to or less than intersection may impede the sight lines of motorists or 60 km/h. Moreover, if the 85th percentile operating speed is students proceeding through the intersection. found to be notably higher than 60 km/h, then the location may not be a safe location for school crossing guard ● Count the conflicting vehicular volume as specified in operations, and alternative school crossing opportunities Step 4 of Chapter 7.3.2 during the morning, midday and should be investigated. As noted in Chapter 3, school afternoon school peak periods; OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 25

CHAPTER 7 · Count the number of students that cross each leg of the ● Aggressiveness or indecision of drivers; and intersection during the morning, midday and afternoon school peak periods. Students are considered those in JK · and to Grade 5. At the discretion of each municipality, more senior grades may be included in the student volume. For ● The students appear timid in crossing the roadway or do the purpose of crossing guard warrants, student volumes not seem to be properly educated on how an all-way stop- include students walking with their parents. These counts controlled intersection operates. For example, if students are should be done concurrently with the conflicting vehicular unsure of when it is their turn to cross. volume count; 7.3 Warrant Method · Monitor the vehicular speeds in the vicinity if speed compliance is of concern; and 7.3.1 Exposure Index · Note the conflicting vehicular volumes that are heavy As discussed in Chapter 5.1, the warrant at an all-way stop- vehicles. Higher proportions of heavy vehicles at an controlled intersection is best evaluated with the Exposure intersection may impede the sight lines of motorists or Index method, along with the consideration of the other students proceeding through the intersection. factors. The application of the Exposure Index method is done in two phases. The initial phase is to develop an Qualitative: Exposure Index for all-way stop-controlled intersections. The second phase is to use the Exposure Index method to · Poor driver behaviour such as not yielding the right-of- evaluate candidate all-way stop-controlled intersections as way to pedestrians, not coming to a complete stop at the to the need for school crossing guards. intersection, drivers inching forward thus intimidating pedestrians in the crosswalk, or drivers manoeuvring through pedestrians as they cross the roadway; Figure 7-1: Conflicting movements for pedestrians on the Figure 7-2: Conflicting movements for pedestrians on the North leg South leg On the north leg of the intersection, the conflicting On the south leg of the intersection, the conflicting vehicular movements are: vehicular movements are: ● All southbound movements; ● All northbound movements; ● Eastbound left turns; ● Westbound left turns; ● Westbound right turns; and ● Eastbound right turns; and ● Northbound through traffic. ● Southbound through traffic. 26 OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

CHAPTER 7 Figure 7-3: Conflicting movements for pedestrians on the Figure 7-4 :Conflicting movements for pedestrians East leg on the west leg On the East leg of the intersection, the conflicting vehicular On the West leg of the intersection, the conflicting vehicular movements are: movements are: ● All westbound movements; ● All eastbound movements; ● Southbound left turns; ● Northbound left turns; ● Northbound right turns; and ● Southbound right turns; and ● Eastbound through traffic. ● Westbound through traffic. 7.3.2 Developing an Exposure Index The purpose of this is to establish a common observation duration so that all subsequent evaluations can be completed The step-by-step procedure for developing an Exposure on the same basis Index at all-way stop-controlled intersections is provided as follows, with the template provided in Appendix C. Step 3: For the leg of the intersection that is being crossed with the assistance of a guard, establish the conflicting Step 1: Review all of the all-way stop-controlled vehicular movements. In the context of this Guide, the intersections that currently have a school crossing guards conflicting movements for different legs of an all-way stop- in place. Obvious outlier locations where school crossing controlled intersection are shown in Figures 7-1 to 7-4. guards may not normally be needed should not be included These conflicting vehicular movements have the most direct since they would skew the threshold established to evaluate correlation with the safety of student crossings. candidate school crossing guard locations. For very large municipalities which have a significant number of crossing Step 4: Count the conflicting vehicular volume for each of guard locations, it may be difficult or impractical to review the legs being evaluated (as defined in Step 3) during the “all” of the crossings in their jurisdictions. Accordingly, school peak periods in 5-minute increments. The interval of these municipalities could gather a representative sample the counts would be based on the periods where the school size that is statistically valid as a basis for analysis. crossing guards are operating at each location would be based on the uniform duration established in Step 2, and the Step 2: Reeview the duration of current school crossing guard movements counted are established in Step 3. For candidate supervision at all of the all-way stop-controlled intersections locations where a school crossing guard is not present, the during the morning, midday lunch and afternoon dismissal broader school peak period may be counted (i.e., 7:30 a.m. school peak periods. Then determine a common school to 9:30 a.m.) to identify the peak periods. The counts should duration that best satisfies all of the intersections. For be completed on typical school days, as discussed further example, if school crossing guards are currently in Chapter 4.5. This step needs to be applied for all of the school peak periods being studied (i.e., morning, lunch and implemented at a minimum of 30 minutes at all all-way stop- dismissal periods). An example of this step is shown in controlled intersections during various school peak periods, Figure 7-5. then the common school duration would be 30 minutes. OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 27

CHAPTER 7 Step 6: Sum up the student volumes counted in Step 5 using the common school duration (i.e., 30 minutes) that was established in Step 3. For example, for a common school duration of 30 minutes, 6 five-minute intervals would be added up. Repeat this step for the conflicting vehicular volume counted in Step 4 as well. Then multiply the student and conflicting volumes during the common school duration. If the observation/count interval is longer than the common school duration, then there will be multiple products. This step needs to be applied for all of the school peak periods being studied (i.e., morning, lunch and dismissal periods). An example of this step is shown in Figure 7-5. student crossing volume by the conflicting vehicular volume for each intersection and for each school period evaluated. Figure 7-5: Sample Log of Conflicting Vehicular & Student Step 7: Identify the Select the school peak period for each Count for an Approach intersection that has the highest product of student crossing volume and conflicting vehicular volume. For example, the Step 5: Count the student crossing volumes at the leg of the morning and afternoon school peak periods were counted intersection that is being crossed with the assistance of the at an all-way stop intersection, and the products of student,t guard. The count needs to be completed concurrently and for and conflicting vehicular volume were calculated to be 1,000 the same duration as the vehicular count in Step 2. Students and 1,700, respectively. In this case, the conflicting vehicular are, at a minimum, to be those in JK to Grade 5 and beyond volume and student crossing volume during the school at the discretion of each municipality. Students crossing with afternoon peak period would be the critical dataset that is their parents should also be included in the count. Bussed used for this intersection. students are not typically recorded in the student count. Crossing Guards would not be assigned for bussed students Step 8: Input the critical dataset of conflicting vehicular since school buses are equipped with flashing lights and volume and the student crossing volume for each intersection a stop sign and can change their pick up/drop off location into the Exposure Index template that is presented in if considered unsafe. Step 5: Count the student crossing Appendix C. volumes at the leg of the intersection that is being crossed with the assistance of the school crossing guard or the Step 9: Once Step 8 is complete, the Microsoft Excel candidate leg that is being studied. The count needs to be worksheet will automatically generate the 85th percentile done in 5-minute increments and during the same period as curve of the input data. This curve represents the threshold the conflicting vehicular count completed concurrently and used to evaluate the need for school crossing guards at all- for the same duration as the vehicular count in Step 42. way stop-controlled intersections. Students are, at a minimum, to be those in JK to Grade 5 7.3.3 Using the Exposure Index for Warrants and beyond at the discretion of each municipality. Students crossing with their parents or using other forms of active Once an Exposure Index has been developed for all-way transportation should also be included in the count. Bussed stop-controlled intersections, the following steps can be students are not typically recorded in the student count. taken to evaluate potential school crossing guard locations Crossing Guards would not be assigned for bussed students that are all-way stop controlled: since school buses are equipped with flashing lights and a stop sign and can change their pick up/drop off location if Step 1: Establish the leg of the intersection that would be considered unsafe. This step needs to be applied for all of most suitable for a school crossing guard. This is typically the school peak periods being studied (i.e., morning, lunch based on the observed tendency of how students cross at and dismissal periods). Figure 7-5 provides an example of an intersection or based on the preference of the school this step. to establish a safer route. Care should be taken to respect natural “desire lines” rather than trying to force students to 28 OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

CHAPTER 7 take a more indirect or circuitous route. guards. The benefits are to ensure consistency of application and to allow municipalities to focus their resources at school Step 2: Identify the conflicting vehicular movements for crossings where student utilization is higher. If the student the leg of the intersection that was established in Step 1. crossing volumes do not meet the minimum threshold, The conflicting movements for each leg of an all-way stop- alternate solutions outlined in Chapter 3.7 should be controlled intersection are shown in Figures 7-1 to 7-4. considered to improve the safety of student crossings. Step 3: Count the conflicting vehicular volumes and Collision Hazard Reporting Frequency: Over the student crossing volumes during the school peak periods. previous three years, there has been an average of more than The duration of the counts would be based on the uniform two reported collisions per year during school operations duration that is used in the Exposure Index method, as that are susceptible to correction by a school crossing guard. established in Step 2 in Chapter 7.3.2. The count should A municipality may focus on collisions that take place on be completed on typical school days, as discussed further in weekdays, generally between 7AM and 5PM or specifically Chapter 4.5. during the school morning, lunch and dismissal periods. It is at the discretion of a municipality what types of collision Step 4: Input the conflicting vehicular volume and student incidents to include – it could either be those involving crossing volume into the appropriate table of the Exposure pedestrians and cyclists or, to be more conservative, all types Index template. If the resulting point on the graph that of collision. In the event that a killed or serious incident corresponds to the location being evaluated is located above (KSI) has occurred at a candidate crossing location, then a the 85th percentile line, then the Exposure Index warrant is municipality could implement an interim school crossing met. If the resulting point is plotted below the 85th percentile guard until a more thorough investigation into the root cause line, then the all-way stop-controlled intersection being of the KSI evaluated does not meet the Exposure Index threshold for requiring school crossing guards. In either case, the other Inadequate Visibility: DDuring the site visit, pedestrian factors discussed in Chapter 7.3.4 need to be considered. and motorist visibility should be evaluated based on the presence of: 7.3.4 Other Factors • Vertical or horizontal road geometries; As noted in Chapter 5.3, the Exposure Index method should • Permanent or temporary physical barriers such as trees, be supplemented with a review of other factors to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the need for school crossing shrubs, billboards, bus shelters or buildings; or guards is completed. These factors include: • High frequency of heavy vehicles. Minimum Student Crossing Volume: To establish a Methods of evaluating sight distance are provided in the consistent method of evaluation, the minimum number of Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) – Geometric students crossing during the common school peak periods Design Guide for Canadian Roads – Part 1: Chapter 1.2.5 should be set at a threshold of 40 students. The common Sight Distance. school duration is the one that has been defined as part of the Exposure Index development (step 2). For example, if school Number of Gaps Available in Urban Locations: crossing guards are currently implemented at a minimum of In highly urban locations where mixed uses surround a 30 minutes at all of the all-way stop-controlled intersections school site and where the number of conflicting vehicular during various school peak periods, then the common school movements is consistently high, the actual number of gaps duration would be 30 minutes. A lower minimum student should be monitored. Under these circumstances, the Gap threshold value may be used at the discretion of each Study method can be used to complete the school crossing municipality. For instance, a municipality can establish a guard warrant. Details of the Gap Study method are provided minimum threshold of 30 students crossing at an all-way in Chapter 5.3. stop-controlled intersection during the common school duration. Regardless of the threshold, the use of a uniform Proximity to a School: In general, crossing guards should value throughout the municipality provides a quantitative be deployed at intersections or crossings where the subject tool for prioritizing the implementation of school crossing school to be served is visible or in proximity. In addition, the site inspection process should also verify which route students prefer to take. The combination of these two aspects OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 29

CHAPTER 7 will help determine the appropriate location for a school c. School crosswalks may be supplemented with signs and crossing guard. An all-way stop-controlled intersection may pavement markings warning of a school crossing ahead. meet the Exposure Index requirements, but it may not lead Pavement markings stating “SCHOOL” or “SCHOOL to the preferable route for students. XING” may be provided on both approaches to the school crossing. Additional details on the use of advance warning 7.4 Signage and Pavement Marking text are available in Section 3.9 of OTM Book 11. Applications Once it is established that school crossing guards are d. Where a school crossing is located on a multi-lane warranted at an all-way stop-controlled intersection, the road, solid white lane lines should be installed on each associated signage and pavement markings required for approach to the school crossing in order to discourage lane implementation are outlined below. changing. The length of these lane lines is dependent on the posted speed of the road, and should be based on field a. As per Section 3.8 of OTM Book 11 - Pavement, Hazard observations. A minimum distance of 30 m is suggested. and Delineation Markings, crosswalk lines must be solid white parallel retroreflective lines 10 cm to 20 cm wide, While these signage applications are based on the OTM extending entirely across the pavement. The crosswalk series, the Approval Authority is responsible for ensuring that must be at least 2.5 m wide. Widths of 3 m to 4 m are the necessary traffic control devices, signage and pavement typical for urban areas with significant pedestrian activity. markings are implemented in an appropriate manner. Therefore, it is recommended that the Approval Authority b. Crosswalk markings for supervised school crosswalks review each crossing location on a site-by-site basis to must conform to the OTM requirements. ensure that the site-specific characteristics are considered in 30 OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

CHAPTER 8 8 8.0 SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD WARRANT AT MINOR STREET STOP-CONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS This chapter describes the process of determining whether movements from the free-flow approach that compete or not to assign a school crossing guard at a minor street for the same right-of-way with these pedestrians. On this stop-controlled intersection. The chapter begins with a basis, the Exposure Index method is the recommended way description of the data that needs to be collected. Next, the of evaluating the need for school crossing guards for the different warrant methods are described. Other factors to crossing parallel to the free-flow traffic approach. consider in the warrant process are also provided. 2) Pedestrians crossing from the stop-controlled 8.1 Context approach: These pedestrians have to rely on gaps in the free-flow traffic approaches in order to cross the At a minor street stop-controlled intersection, stop signs road. This is shown in Figure 8-2. The need for school are provided on the minor street approaches. Generally crossing guards for this type of pedestrian crossing can speaking, the traffic volumes on the uncontrolled or free-flow be evaluated with either the Exposure Index method approaches are higher than the stop-controlled approaches. or the Gap Study method because there are conflicting As per the Highway Traffic Act, vehicles approaching a stop movements and also reliance on gaps in the free-flow sign at an intersection must stop at the stop bar, or if none, approach to cross. before the nearest crosswalk, thereby yielding to vehicular traffic and pedestrians on the approaches with the right-of- As noted in Chapter 3, school crossing guards can way. From a pedestrian perspective, there are two types of only be assigned if the posted speed limit is equal to crossing at a minor street stop-controlled intersection: or less than 60 km/h. Moreover, if the 85th percentile 1) Pedestrians crossing parallel to the free-flow traffic operating speed is found to be notably higher than 60 approach: Traffic from the minor street approach is required km/h, then the location may not be a safe location for to stop at the stop bar and yield to these pedestrians. This school crossing guard operations, and alternative school is shown in Figure 8-1. There may be conflicting turning crossing opportunities should be investigated. Figure 8-1: Crossing Parallel to the Major Street Approach Figure 8-2: Crossing from the Minor Street Approach OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 31

CHAPTER 8 8.2 Data Collection Step 1: Review all of the minor street stop-controlled intersections that currently have a school crossing guards In addition to the site inspection process outlined in Chapter in place. Obvious outlier locations where school crossing 4 and the warrant-specific data collection in Chapters 8.3 and guards may not normally be needed should not be included 8.4, additional data and observations are needed to complete since they would skew the threshold established to evaluate the school crossing guard warrant at a minor street stop- candidate school crossing guard locations. For very large controlled intersection. It should be noted the timing of data municipalities which have a significant number of crossing collection should follow the principles outlined in Section guard locations, it may be difficult or impractical to review 4.5. The data that should be collected include: “all” of the crossings in their jurisdictions. Accordingly, these municipalities could gather a representative sample Quantitative: size that is statistically valid as a basis for analysis. ● Monitor the vehicular speeds in the vicinity if speed Step 2: Review the duration of current school crossing compliance is of concern; and guard supervision at all of the minor street stop-controlled intersections during the morning, midday and afternoon ● Note the conflicting vehicular volumes that are heavy school peak periods. Then determine a common school vehicles. Higher proportions of heavy vehicles at an duration that best satisfies all the intersections. For example, intersection may impede the sight lines of motorists or if school crossing guards are currently implemented at students proceeding through the intersection. a minimum of 30 minutes at all of the minor street stop- controlled intersections during various school peak periods, Qualitative: then the common school duration would be 30 minutes. The purpose of this is to establish a common observation ● Aggressiveness or indecision of drivers; duration so that all subsequent evaluations can be completed on the same basis. ● Poor driver behaviour such as not yielding the right-of- way to pedestrians, not coming to a complete stop at the Step 3: For the leg of the intersection that is being crossed intersection, drivers inching forward thus intimidating with the assistance of a guard, identify the conflicting pedestrians in the crosswalk, or drivers manoeuvring through vehicular movements. In the context of this Guide, the pedestrians as they cross the roadway; and conflicting movements for different legs of a minor street stop-controlled intersection are shown in Figures 8-3 and ● The students appear timid in crossing the roadway or do 8-4. These conflicting vehicular movements have the most not seem to be properly educated on how a minor street stop- direct correlation with the safety of student crossings. controlled intersection operates. For example, if students are unsure of when it is their turn to cross. Step 4: Count the conflicting vehicular volume for each of the legs being evaluated (as defined in Step 3) during the 8.3 Exposure Index Method school peak periods in 5-minute increments. The interval of the counts would be based on the periods when the school The application of the Exposure Index method is done in two crossing guards are operating at each location. For candidate phases. The initial phase is to develop an Exposure Index for locations where a school crossing guard is not present, the minor street stop-controlled intersections. The second phase broader school peak period may be counted (i.e., 7:30 a.m. is to use the Exposure Index method to evaluate candidate to 9:00 a.m.) to identify the peak periods. The counts should minor street stop-controlled intersections as to the need for be completed on typical school days, as discussed further school crossing guards. in Chapter 4.5. This step needs to be applied for all of the school peak periods being studied (i.e., morning, lunch and 8.3.1 Developing an Exposure Index dismissal periods). An example of this step is shown in in Figure 8-5. The step-by-step procedure for developing an Exposure Index at minor street stop-controlled intersections is provided Step 5: Count the student crossing volumes at the leg of the as follows, with the template provided in Appendix C. intersection that is being crossed with the assistance of the 32 OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

CHAPTER 8 Figure 8-3: Conflicting Vehicular Movements for the Minor Figure 8-4: Conflicting Vehicular Movements for the Major Street Stop-controlled Leg Street Free Flow Leg The conflicting vehicular movements for the pedestrian The conflicting vehicular movements for the pedestrian crossing along the minor street stop-controlled approach are: crossing along the major street approach are: ● Southbound through traffic; ● Southbound through traffic; ● Eastbound right turns; ● Eastbound right turns; ● Westbound left turns; and ● Westbound left turns; and ● All northbound movements. ● All northbound movements. school crossing guard or the candidate leg that is being If the observation/count interval is longer than the common school duration, then there will be multiple products. This studied. The count needs to be done in 5-minute increments step needs to be applied for all of the school peak periods and during the same period as the conflicting vehicular count being studied (i.e., morning, lunch and dismissal periods). in Step 4. An example of this step is shown in Figure 8-5 Students are, at a minimum, to be those in JK to Grade 5 Step 7: Count the student crossing volumes that are and beyond at the discretion of each municipality. Students assisted by the school crossing guard. The count needs to crossing with their parents or using other forms of active be completed concurrently and for the same duration as the transportation should also be included in the count. Bussed vehicular count in Step 2. Students are, at a minimum, to be students are not typically recorded in the student count. those in JK to Grade 5 and beyond at the discretion of each Crossing Guards would not be assigned for bussed students municipality. Students crossing with their parents should also since school buses are equipped with flashing lights and a be included in the count. Bussed students are not typically stop sign and can change their pick up/drop off location if recorded in the student count. Crossing Guards would not be considered unsafe. This step needs to be applied for all of assigned for bussed students since school buses are equipped the school peak periods being studie d (i.e., morning, lunch with flashing lights and a stop sign and can change their pick and dismissal periods).. Figure 8-5 provides an example of up/drop off location if considered unsafe. this step. Step 8: Multiply the student crossing volume by the Step 6: Sum up the student volumes counted in Step 5 using conflicting vehicular volume for each intersection and for the common school duration (i.e., 30 minutes) that was each school period evaluated. established in Step 3. For example, for a common school duration of 30 minutes, 6 five-minute intervals would be Step 9: Identify Select the school peak period for each added up. Repeat this step for the conflicting vehicular minor street stop-controlled intersection that has the highest volume counted in Step 4 as well. Then multiply the student product of student crossing volume and conflicting vehicular and conflicting volumes during the common school duration. volume. For example, the morning and afternoon school OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 33

CHAPTER 8 an intersection or based on the preference of the school to establish a safer route. Care should be taken to respect natural “desire lines” rather than trying to force students to take a more indirect or circuitous route. Step 2: Identify the conflicting vehicular movements for the leg of the intersection that was established in Step 1. The conflicting movements for the pedestrian crossings along the minor and major approaches are shown in Figures 8-3 and 8-4, respectively. Step 3: Count the conflicting vehicular volume and student crossing volume during the school peak periods. The duration of the counts would be based on the uniform duration that is used in the Exposure Index method, as established in Step 2 in Chapter 8.3.1. The count should be completed on typical school days, as discussed further in Chapter 4.5. Figure 8-5: Sample Log of Conflicting Vehicular & Student Step 4: Input the conflicting vehicular volume and student Count for an Approach crossing volume into the appropriate table of the Exposure Index template. If the resulting point on the graph that peak periods were counted at a minor street stop-controlled corresponds to the location being evaluated is located above intersection, and the products of student, and conflicting the 85th percentile line, then the Exposure Index warrant is vehicular volume were calculated to be 1,000 and 1,700, met. If the resulting point is plotted below the 85th percentile respectively. In this case, the conflicting vehicular volume line, then the minor street stop-controlled intersection being and student crossing volume during the afternoon school evaluated does not meet the Exposure Index threshold for peak period would be the critical dataset that is used for this requiring school crossing guards. In either case, the other intersection. factors discussed in Chapter 8.5 need to be considered. Step 10: Input the critical dataset of conflicting vehicular 8.4 Gap Study Method volume and the student crossing volume for each minor street stop-controlled intersection into the Exposure Index There are two phases to the Gap Study method at a minor template that is presented in Appendix C. street stop-controlled intersection. The first phase is to establish the Safe Gap Time threshold based on the Step 11: Once Step 8 is complete, the Microsoft Excel characteristics of the free-flow approach. The second phase worksheet will automatically generate the 85th percentile is to survey the gaps available in the free-flow approach line of the input data. This line represents the threshold used and evaluate whether there are enough safe gaps to allow to evaluate the need for school crossing guards at minor students to cross safely.. street stop-controlled intersections 8.3.2 Using the Exposure Index for Warrants 8.4.1 Phase 1: Safe Gap Time Once an Exposure Index has been developed minor street A Safe Gap Time is the time required during the break in stop-controlled intersections, the following steps can be traffic flow that permits students to cross the road safely. taken to evaluate potential school crossing guard locations Because this parameter will be used as the benchmark for the that are minor street stop controlled: minor street stop-controlled school crossing guard warrant, it is important that the Approval Authority understands the Step 1: Establish the leg of the intersection that would be Safe Gap Time calculation methodology. Safe Gap Time can most suitable for a school crossing guard. This is typically be calculated as: based on the observed tendency of how students cross at 34 OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

CHAPTER 8 Safe Gap Time (G) = Perception & Reaction Time (P) + in metres per second) – This can be calculated by measuring Crossing Time + Group Factor Time the amount of time it takes for students to cross the roadway. The width of the roadway can then be related to the time which is the equivalent to: required to calculate the walking speed. This parameter is G = P + (W / S) + T (N – 1) used to calculate the crossing time. If this is not available, assume 1.0 m/s; The parameters in the Safe Gap Time calculation need to be collected as part of the site inspection process outlined in ● T = Group factor (measured in seconds) – This factor is Chapter 4 and are detailed as follows: used to account for the fact that when more students cross at the same time, it takes longer to cross. This is because a large ● P = Average perception and reaction time of group of students will have to cross in multiple rows instead students (measured in seconds) – This is the time it takes of one. This parameter is used to calculate the group factor for a student to perceive whether there are any vehicles time. If this is not available, assume 2.0 seconds; and approaching and to decide whether to cross or wait. If this is not available, assume 4.0 seconds; ● N = Predominant group size – Observe the average number of students crossing together in increments of five ● W = width of the roadway (measured in m) – typically (for example, if three students cross together: N = 1, if eight measured as the pavement width of the road. However, to students cross together: N = 2). This parameter is used to err on the conservative side, the width of the roadway could calculate the group factor time. also be considered the crossing distance from where students typically queue while waiting for a safe gap in the traffic Sample calculations of the Safe Gap Time are provided in stream to the opposite side of the roadway. This is more Appendix D. conservative because students do not always wait to cross at the edge of the pavement or on the curb. In the example 8.4.2 Phase 2: Gap Surveys and Analyses below, the crossing distance would be measured as W (the width of the road) plus the average of the boulevard widths Once the Safe Gap Time has been calculated, the following (1 and 2). This ensures a student does not need to stand at steps need to be completed during the morning, midday the edge of the curb/pavement to wait for a gap. If there is and afternoon school peak periods at the minor street stop- no boulevard on either side, then it would just be the width controlled intersection being evaluated: of the pavement. This parameter is used to calculate the crossing time; Step 1: Record the number of gaps in the free-flow approach of the minor street stop-controlled intersection This parameter is used to calculate the crossing time; and measure the respective durations using a stopwatch. These observations need to be recorded in five-minute ● S = Average walking speed of students (measured intervals during the morning, midday and afternoon school OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 35

CHAPTER 8 peak periods. Sample Gap Survey forms are provided in 8.5 Other Factors Appendix D. In addition to the Exposure Index and the Gap Study The period selected for the gap study is an important methods, the School Crossing Guard warrant at minor street parameter since gap availability during times when no student stop-controlled intersections needs to also consider the would be crossing or when schools are not in operation is not following factors: relevant. A municipality should review its policy on when school doors are open in the morning for students to arrive, Minimum Student Crossing Volume: To establish a lunchtime period, and how long students take to disperse consistent method of evaluation, the minimum number of from the school in the afternoon. These aspects will inform students crossing during the school peak periods should be set when students are likely to be commuting to or from school. at a threshold of 40 students. Alower value may be used at the The selection of the Gap Study periods is at the discretion of discretion of each municipality. For instance, a municipality each municipality and may vary depending on each school. can establish a minimum threshold of 30 students crossing When in doubt, the default internals in Appendix D which at a minor street stop-controlled intersection. Regardless covers 7:30 AM to 9:30AM, 11:00AM to 1:30PM and of the threshold, the use of a uniform value throughout the 2:30PM to 5:00PM. municipality provides a quantitative tool for prioritizing the implementation of school crossing guards. The benefits are to Step 2: Record the number of students crossing during the ensure consistency of application and to allow municipalities gap survey in each of the five-minute intervals. Students are to focus their resources at school crossings where student considered, at the minimum, to be those in JK to Grade 5 and utilization is higher. If the student crossing volumes do not beyond at the discretion of each municipality. meet the minimum threshold, alternate solutions outlined in Chapter 3.7 should be considered to improve the safety of Step 3: Count the number of gaps recorded in each five- student crossings. minute interval that is equal to or higher than the Safe Gap Time calculated in Chapter 8.4.1. Gaps that are longer Collision Hazard Reporting Frequency: Over the than the calculated Safe Gap Time need to be expressed as previous three years, there has been an average of more than increments of the Safe Gap Time. This is done by dividing two reported collisions per year during school operations the gap times by the Safe Gap Time. For example, if the Safe that are susceptible to correction by a school crossing guard. Gap Time was calculated to be 10 seconds, and a long gap of 34 seconds was observed, then there would be three gaps Inadequate Visibility: During the site visit, pedestrian that are considered to be Safe Gaps (34 seconds divided by and motorist visibility should be evaluated based on the 10 seconds). presence of: Step 4: Count the number of five-minute intervals where • Vertical or horizontal road geometries; there are less than four surveyed gaps that are equal to or • Permanent or temporary physical barriers such as trees, higher than the Safe Gap Time. shrubs, billboards, bus shelters or buildings; or • High frequency of heavy vehicles. Step 5: Count the total number of five minute intervals Methods of evaluating sight distance are provided in the surveyed. Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) – Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads – Part 1: Chapter 1.2.5 Step 6: Determine the proportion of five minute intervals Sight Distance. where there are less than four Safe Gap Times. Proximity to a School: In general, school crossing guards Step 7: If less than 50% of the five-minute intervals surveyed should be deployed at crossing facilities where the subject had less than four Safe Gaps, then a school crossing guard is school to be served is visible or in proximity. In addition, the warranted for the stop-controlled crossing at the minor street site inspection process should verify which route students stop-controlled intersection. prefer to take. The combination of these two aspects will help determine the appropriate location for a school crossing guard. 36 OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

C8.H0 ASCPHTOEORL8CROSSING GUARD WARRANT AT MINOR STREET STOP-CONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS 8.6 Signage and Pavement Marking be provided on both approaches to the school crossing. Applications Additional details on the use of advanced warning text are available in Section 3.8 of OTM Book 11. Once it is established that a school crossing guard is warranted at a minor street stop-controlled intersection, d. Where a school crossing is located on a multi-lane road, the associated signage and pavement markings required for solid white lane lines should be installed on each approach implementation are outlined below. to the school crossing in order to discourage lane changing. The length of these lane lines is dependent on the posted a. As per Section 3.8 of OTM Book 11 - Pavement, Hazard speed of the road and should be based on field observations. and Delineation Markings, crosswalk lines must be solid A minimum distance of 30 m is recommended. white parallel retroreflective lines 10 cm to 20 cm wide, extending entirely across the pavement. The crosswalk must e. While these signage applications are based on the OTM be at least 2.5 m wide. Widths of 3.0 m to 4.0 m are typical series, the Approval Authority is responsible for ensuring for urban areas with significant pedestrian activity. that the necessary signage and pavement markings are implemented in an appropriate manner. It is recommended b. Crosswalk markings for supervised school crosswalks that the Approval Authority review each crossing location must conform to the OTM requirements. on a site-by-site basis to ensure that the site-specific characteristics are considered in the signage application. Any c. School crosswalks may be supplemented with signs and deviation from the OTM requirements should be supported pavement markings warning of a school crossing ahead. by a well-documented rationale. Pavement markings stating “SCHOOL” or “SCHOOL XING” may OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 37

CHAPTER 9 9 9.0 SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD WARRANT AT PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS This chapter describes the process of determining whether or crossing guard warrant at an IPS or MPS crossing location. not to assign a school crossing guard at a pedestrian signal It should be noted the timing of data collection should follow location. The chapter begins with a description of the data the principles outlined in Section 4.5. The data that should that needs to be collected. Next, the steps required to develop be collected include: These items include: an Exposure Index are provided, along with how to apply the warrant to candidate pedestrian signal locations. Other Quantitative: factors to consider in the warrant process are also provided. ● For IPS locations, count the conflicting vehicular volume 9.1 Context as specified in Step 4 of Chapter 9.3.2 during the morning, midday and afternoon school peak periods; Based on OTM Book 15, Section 6.3.1.2, traffic signals that are dedicated primarily to providing a controlled ● For MPS locations, consider counting the through traffic environment for pedestrians to cross a roadway may be volume during the school peak periods. The evaluator may installed as pedestrian signals at either: use an MPS location that is known to be challenging for students to cross and count the vehicular traffic passing ● Intersections as Intersection Pedestrian Signals (IPS); or through the MPS during the morning, lunch and dismissal periods. The sum of the midblock volume may then be used ● Between intersections as Midblock Pedestrian Signals as a baseline for future candidate MPS locations; (MPS) ● Count the number of students that cross each leg of the Pedestrian signals operate in a “semi-actuated” mode by intersection or at the MPS during the morning, midday pedestrians activating a pushbutton to cross the main street. and afternoon dismissal school peak periods. Students are Regular traffic signals control the major roadway approaches. considered those in JK to Grade 5. At the discretion of each The minor street at an IPS intersection is controlled by stop municipality, more senior grades may be included in the signs. For IPS intersections, the minor street traffic must be student volume. For the purpose of crossing guard warrants, stop controlled and may cross the intersection during a gap student volumes include students walking with their parents in traffic on the major street or turn during the pedestrian and those using other forms of active transportation (i.e., phase if motorists do not conflict with pedestrian crossings. rollerblading or cycling). These student counts should be The definition and concept of IPS and MPS are discussed in done concurrently with the conflicting vehicular volume Chapter 3. count and be conducted in 5-minute increments; As noted in Chapter 3, school crossing guards can only be ● Monitor the vehicular speeds in the vicinity if speed assigned if the posted speed limit is equal to or less than compliance is of concern; and 60 km/h. Moreover, if the 85th percentile operating speed is found to be notably higher than 60 km/h, then the location ● Note the conflicting vehicular volumes that are heavy may not be a safe location for school crossing guard vehicles. Higher proportions of heavy vehicles at an operations, and alternative school crossing opportunities intersection may impede the sight lines of motorists or should be investigated. students proceeding through the intersection. 9.2 Data Collection Qualitative: In addition to the site inspection process outlined in Chapter ● Aggressiveness or indecision of drivers during the amber 4, additional data and observations are needed to complete the and all red indications, as well as confusion from the stop- 38 OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

C9.H0 ASCPHTEOROL9CROSSING GUARD WARRANT AT PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS controlled approaches; threshold established to evaluate candidate school crossing guard locations. For very large municipalities which have ● Poor driver behaviour such as not yielding the right-of- a significant number of crossing guard locations, it may be way to pedestrians, not coming to a complete stop at the difficult or impractical to review “all” of the crossings in intersection prior to turning on a red display, drivers inching their jurisdictions. Accordingly, these municipalities could forward thus intimidating pedestrians in the crosswalk, or gather a representative sample size that is statistically valid drivers manoeuvring through pedestrians as they cross the as a basis for analysis. roadway; and Step 2: Review the duration of current school crossing ● The students appear timid in crossing the roadway or do guard supervision at all of the IPS intersections during not seem to be properly trained on how to cross the road the morning, midday and afternoon dismissal school peak safely. This may include forgetting to push the pedestrian periods. Then determine a common school duration that best pushbutton or entering the roadway after the flashing Don’t satisfies all of the IPS intersections. For example, if school Walk indication commences. crossing guards are currently implemented at a minimum of 30 minutes at all IPS intersections during various school 9.3 Warrant Method peak periods, then the common school duration would be 30 minutes. The purpose of this is to establish a common The warrant method for IPS and MPS locations are not observation duration so that all subsequent evaluations can the same because they differ from a conflicting movement be completed on the same basis allow “Apples to Apples” perspective. At an IPS intersection, there is the potential for comparisons. conflicting movements between motorists and pedestrians. For example, vehicular movements from the minor street Step 3: For the crossing that is equipped with the IPS and approach can conflict with the pedestrian phase. At an MPS being supervised by a school crossing guard, identify the location, there are no conflicting movements because all- conflicting vehicular movements. The conflicting movements through volumes must adhere to the traffic signal display. With respect to these differences, the following warrant methods should be applied. 9.3.1 Exposure Index Method for IPS The need for a school crossing guard at an IPS intersection is best evaluated with the Exposure Index method, which relates the student volume to the conflicting vehicular movements. The application of the Exposure Index method is done in two phases. The initial phase is to develop an Exposure Index for IPS intersections. The second phase is to use the Exposure Index method to evaluate candidate IPS intersections as to the need for school crossing guards. 9.3.2 Developing an Exposure Index Figure 9-1: Conflicting movements for pedestrians at an IPS The step-by-step procedure for developing an Exposure It should be noted that the need for a school crossing guard Index at IPS intersections is provided as follows, with the at the stop-controlled approaches would be evaluated based template provided in Appendix C. on the minor street stop-controlled warrant methodology outlined in Chapter 8. For the major street crossing, a guard Step 1: Review all of the IPS intersections that currently should only be assigned to the crosswalk that is equipped have a school crossing guards in place. Obvious outlier with the IPS. The intent is to concentrate the crossings of locations where school crossing guards may not normally the major street to where there are pedestrian signals and a be needed should not be included since they would skew the marked crosswalk. OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 39

CHAPTER 9 crossing with their parents should also be included in the count. Bussed students are not typically recorded in the student count. Crossing Guards would not be assigned for bussed students since school busses are equipped with flashing lights and a stop sign and can change their pick up/ drop off location if considered unsafe. This step needs to be applied for all of the school peak periods being studied. Figure 9-5 provides an example of this step. Figure 9-2: Sample Log of Conflicting Vehicular & Student Step 6: Sum up the student volumes counted in Step 5 using Count for an Approach the common school duration (i.e., 30 minutes) that was established in Step 3. For example, for a common school for an IPS crossing are shown in Figure 9-1. duration of 30 minutes, 6 five-minute intervals would be added up. Repeat this step for the conflicting vehicular Step 4: Count the conflicting vehicular volumes during the volume counted in Step 4 as well. Then multiply the student school peak periods in 5-minute increments. The duration of and conflicting volumes during the common school duration. the counts would be based on the periods where the school If the observation/count interval is longer than the common crossing guards are operating at each location would be school duration, then there will be multiple products. This based on the uniform duration established in Step 2, and the step needs to be applied for all of the school peak periods movements counted are established in Step 3. For candidate being studied (i.e., morning, lunch and dismissal periods). locations where a school crossing guard is not present, An example of this step is shown in Figure 9-5 student the broader school peak period may be counted (i.e., 7:30 crossing volume by the conflicting vehicular volume for each a.m. to 9:00 a.m.) to identify the peak periods. The counts intersection and for each school period evaluated. Multiply should be completed on typical school days, as discussed the student crossing volume by the conflicting vehicular further in Chapter 4.5. This step needs to be applied for volume for each IPS intersection and for each school period all of the school peak periods being studied (i.e., morning, evaluated. lunch and dismissal periods). An example of this step is shown in Figure 9-5. The duration of the counts would be Step 7: Identify select the school peak period for each IPS based on the uniform duration established in Step 2, and the intersection that has the highest product of student crossing movements counted are established in Step 3. The counts volume and conflicting vehicular volume. For example, the should be completed on typical school days, as discussed morning and afternoon school peak periods were counted further in Chapter 4.5. at an IPS intersection, and the products of student,t and conflicting vehicular volume were calculated to be 1,000 Step 5: CCount the student crossing volumes that are and 1,700, respectively. In this case, the conflicting vehicular assisted by the school crossing guard or the candidate leg volume and student crossing volume during the school that is being studied. The count needs to be done in 5 minute afternoon school peak would be the critical dataset that for increments and completed concurrently and for t during the this IPS intersection same duration as the vehicular count in Step 42. Step 8: Input the critical dataset of conflicting vehicular Students are at a minimum to be those in JK to Grade 5, volume and the student crossing volume for each IPS and beyond at the discretion of each municipality. Students intersection into the Exposure Index template that is presented in Appendix C. Step 9: Once Step 8 is complete, the Microsoft Excel worksheet will automatically generate the 85th percentile line of the input data. This line represents the threshold used to evaluate the need for school crossing guards at IPS intersections. 40 OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

C9.H0 ASCPHTEOROL9CROSSING GUARD WARRANT AT PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS 9.3.3 Using the Exposure Index for Warrants common school duration. Regardless of the threshold, the use of a uniform value throughout the municipality provides Once an Exposure Index has been developed for IPS a quantitative tool for prioritizing the implementation of intersections, the following steps can be taken to evaluate school crossing guards. The benefits are to ensure consistency potential school crossing guard locations that are IPS of application and to allow municipalities to focus their controlled: resources at school crossings where student utilization is higher. If the student crossing volumes do not meet the Step 1: Identify the conflicting vehicular movements for minimum threshold, alternate solutions outlined in Chapter the crossing of the major street that is equipped with the 3.7 should be considered to improve the safety of student IPS. The conflicting movements for the IPS leg are shown crossings. To establish a consistent method of evaluation, the inFigure 9-1. minimum number of students crossing during the school peak periods should be set at a threshold of 40 students. A lower Step 2: Count the conflicting vehicular volumes and value may be used at the discretion of each municipality. For student crossing volumes during the school peak periods. instance, a municipality can establish a minimum threshold The duration of the counts would be based on the uniform of 30 students crossing at an IPS or MPS location. Regardless duration that is used in the Exposure Index method, as of the threshold, the use of a uniform value throughout the established in Step 2 in Chapter 9.3.2. The count should municipality provides a quantitative tool for prioritizing the be completed on typical school days, as discussed further implementation of school crossing guards. The benefits are to inChapter 4.5. ensure consistency of application and to allow municipalities to focus their resources at school crossings where student Step 3: Input the conflicting vehicular volume and student utilization is higher. If the student crossing volumes do not crossing volume into the appropriate table of the Exposure meet the minimum threshold, alternate solutions outlined in Index template. If the resulting point on the graph that Chapter 3.7 should be considered to improve the safety of corresponds to the location being evaluated is located above student crossings. the 85th percentile line, then the Exposure Index warrant is met. If the resulting point is plotted below the 85th percentile Collision Hazard Reporting Frequency: Over the line, then the IPS intersection being evaluated does not meet previous three years, there has been an average of more than the Exposure Index threshold for requiring school crossing two reported collisions per year during school operations guards. In either case, the other factors discussed in Chapter that are susceptible to correction by a school crossing guard. 9.3.4 need to be considered. A municipality may focus on collisions that take place on weekdays, generally between 7AM and 5PM or specifically 9.3.4 Other Factors for IPS and MPS during the school morning, lunch and dismissal periods. It is at the discretion of a municipality what types of collision For both IPS and MPS locations, the following factors need incidents to include – it could either be those involving to be considered – often in combination to determine the pedestrians and cyclists or to be more conservative, all types need for school crossing guards: of collision. In the event that a killed or serious incident (KSI) has occurred at a candidate crossing location, then a Minimum Student Crossing Volume: To establish a municipality could implement an interim school crossing consistent method of evaluation, the minimum number of guard until a more thorough investigation into the root cause students crossing during the common school peak periods of the KSI. should be set at a threshold of 40 students. The common school duration is the one that has been defined as part of the Compliance: This is critical for IPS and MPS locations Exposure Index development (step 2). For example, if school since students rely solely on cars obeying the red indication crossing guards are currently implemented at a minimum in order to cross. If cars are observed routinely driving of 30 minutes at all of the IPS intersections during various through the IPS or MPS even though the walk phase has school peak periods, then the common school duration been activated, then there is a compliance issue. would be 30 minutes. A lower minimum student threshold value may be used at the discretion of each municipality. For Inadequate Visibility: During the site visit, pedestrian instance, a municipality can establish a minimum threshold and motorist visibility should be evaluated based on the of 30 students crossing at an IPS intersection during the presence of: OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 41

CHAPTER 9 ● Vertical or horizontal road geometries; Proximity to a School: In general, school crossing guards should be deployed at intersections or crossings where the ● Permanent or temporary physical barriers such as trees, subject school to be served is visible or in proximity. In shrubs, billboards, bus shelters or buildings; or addition, the site inspection process should verify which route students prefer to take. The combination of these two ● High frequency of heavy vehicles. aspects will help determine the appropriate location for a school crossing guard. An IPS or MPS location may meet Methods of evaluating sight distance are provided in the the Exposure Index requirements, but it may not lead to the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) – Geometric preferable route for students. Design Guide for Canadian Roads – Part 1: Chapter 1.2.5 Sight Distance 9.4 Signage and Pavement Marking Applications Number of Gaps Available at Urban Locations: In highly urban locations where mixed uses surround a As per OTM Book 6 - Warning Signs Section 7, signed school site and where the number of conflicting vehicular school crossings must not be provided if pedestrian signals movements at an IPS is consistently high, the actual number are provided. Thus, no school-related signs or pavement of gaps during the pedestrian phase should be monitored. markings should be placed at an IPS or MPS location. Any Under circumstances, the Gap Study method are provided deviation from the OTM requirements should be supported in Chapter 5.3. by a well-documented rationale. Number of traffic lanes in each approach: In general, General signage and pavement marking requirements for MPS locations with more than one lane in each direction IPS or MPS locations are provided in OTM Book 15, Section becomes harder for students to cross since motorists may try 6.3.1. to sneak through the crosswalk in the far lane even though the walk phase is on. 42 OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

CHAPTER 10 10.0 SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD WARRANT AT 10PEDESTRIAN CROSSOVERS This chapter describes the process to determine whether or 10-3 illustrates the application of this type of PXO at a not to assign a school crossing guard at either a mid-block midblock crossing. or intersection a pedestrian crossover (PXO). This chapter begins with a description of the different types of PXOs and Level 2 Type C: is distinctly defined by the prescribed use the data that needs to be collected. Next, the steps of the of regulatory and warning signs, rapid rectangular flashing warrant process are described. beacons (RRFB) and pavement markings prescribed and illustrated by Ontario Regulation 402/15, Pedestrian 10.1 Context Crossover Signs. The system uses only side-mounted regulatory signs. An illustration of a Level 2 Type C mid- Context block PXO as per MTO is shown inFigure 10-4. Based on OTM Book 15, Section 6.3.2, PXOs provide Level 2 Type D: is distinctly defined by the prescribed use pedestrians with protected crossing opportunities by of regulatory and warning signs plus pavement markings requiring motorists to yield to pedestrians within the prescribed and illustrated by Ontario Regulation 402/15, crosswalk. PXOs mean any portion of a roadway distinctly Pedestrian Crossover Signs. The system uses only side- indicated for pedestrian crossings by signs on the highway mounted regulatory signs and does not require flashing and lines or other markings on the surface of the roadway beacons. An illustration of a Level 2 Type D mid-block as prescribed by the regulations and the HTA. The presence PXO as per MTO is shown in Figure 10-5. Figure 10-6 of a pedestrian in the crosswalk requires motorists iillustrates the application of this type of PXO at a minor approaching the PXO to stop, yield the right-of-way, and street stop-controlled intersection. proceed only when the pedestrian has crossed the roadway. For additional legislative and by-law information, refer to As noted in Chapter 3, school crossing guards can only be Chapter 3.1 – Legislative Authority. assigned if the posted speed limit is equal to or less than 60 km/h. Moreover, if the 85th percentile operating speed is There are four types of PXOs for either intersection or mid- found to be notably higher than 60 km/h, then the location block PXOs: may not be a safe location for school crossing guard operations, and alternative school crossing opportunities Level 1 Type A: is distinctively defined by the use of should be investigated. regulatory and warning signs, flashing amber beacons and pavement markings prescribed and illustrated by Ontario 10.2 Data Collection Regulation 402/15, Pedestrian Crossover Signs. This treatment system uses internally illuminated overhead In addition to the site inspection process outlined in Chapter warning signs. An illustration of a Level 1 Type A PXO at 4, additional data and observations are needed to complete a mid-block location as per MTOMTO is shown inFigure the school crossing guard warrant at a PXO location. These 10-1 items include: Level 2 Type B: is distinctly defined by the prescribed use Quantitative: of regulatory and warning signs, rapid rectangular flashing beacons (RRFB) and pavement markings prescribed ● For intersection PXOs, count the conflicting vehicular and illustrated by Ontario Regulation 402/15, Pedestrian volume as specified in Step 4 of Chapter 10.3.2 during the Crossover Signs. The system uses both the side-mounted morning, midday lunch and dismissal afternoon school and overhead regulatory signs. An illustration of a Level 2 peak periods; Type B PXO as per MTO is shown in Figure 10-2. Figure OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 43

CHAPTER 10 Figure 10-1: Level 1 Type A Pedestrian Crossover at a Figure 10-2: Level 2 Type B Pedestrian Crossover at a Mid-block Location Mid-block Location Figure 10-3: Level 2 Type B Mid-block Pedestrian Crossover Figure 10-4: Level 2 Type C Pedestrian Crossover at a Mid- (Milton) block Location Figure 10-5: Level 2 Type D Pedestrian Crossover at a Figure 10-6: Level 2 Type D Pedestrian Crossover at an Mid-block Location Intersection (London) 44 OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023

CHAPTER 10 ● For midblock PXO locations, consider counting the at a midblock location would have no conflicting vehicular through traffic volume during the school peak periods. movements since all of the through traffic is required to stop The evaluator may use a mid-block PXO location that is and yield to pedestrians, including students. Conversely, a known to be challenging for students to cross, and count the PXO at an intersection would be susceptible to conflicting vehicular traffic passing through the midblock PXO during vehicular movements from the side streets. With respect to the morning, lunch and dismissal periods. The sum of the this difference, the school crossing guard warrant methods midblock volume may then be used as a baseline for future for PXOs located at both locations are outlined below: candidate midblock PXO locations; Midblock PXO: The recommended warrant method is ● Count the number of students that cross the PXO during based on the consideration of the other factors listed in the morning, lunch midday and afternoon dismissal school Chapter 10.3.4. peak periods. Students are considered those in JK to Grade 5. At the discretion of each municipality, more senior grades PXO at an intersection: The recommended warrant may be included in the student volume. For the purpose of method is based on the Exposure Index in conjunction with crossing guard warrants, student volumes include students the consideration of the other factors listed in Chapter walking with their parents and those using other forms of 10.3.4. active transportation (i.e., rollerblading or cycling). These counts should be done concurrently with the conflicting 10.3.1 Exposure Index vehicular volume count and be conducted in 5-minute increments; The application of the Exposure Index method is done in two phases. The initial phase is to develop an Exposure Index for ● Monitor the vehicular speeds in the vicinity if speed PXO locations located at an intersection. The second phase compliance is of concern; and is to use the Exposure Index method to evaluate candidate PXOs as to the need for school crossing guards. ● Note the conflicting vehicular volumes that are heavy vehicles. Higher proportions of heavy vehicles at an 10.3.2 Developing an Exposure Index intersection may impede the sight lines of motorists or students proceeding through the intersection The step-by-step procedure for developing an Exposure Index is provided as follows, with the template provided in Qualitative: Appendix C. ● Aggressiveness or indecision of drivers in the vicinity of Step 1: Review all of the PXOs located at intersections that the PXO; currently have a school crossing guards in place. Obvious outlier locations where school crossing guards may not ● Poor driver behaviour such as not yielding the right-of- normally be needed should not be included since they would way to pedestrians, drivers inching forward thus intimidating skew the threshold established to evaluate candidate school pedestrians in the crosswalk, or drivers manoeuvring through crossing guard locations. For very large municipalities which pedestrians as they cross the roadway; and have a significant number of crossing guard locations, it may be difficult or impractical to review “all” of the crossings in ● The students appear timid in crossing the roadway or do not their jurisdictions. Accordingly, these municipalities could seem to be properly trained on how to cross at the PXO. This gather a representative sample size that is statistically valid may include forgetting to push the pedestrian pushbutton if as a basis for analysis. one is present or understanding when they can safely enter the crosswalk after the approaching vehicles have stopped. Step 2: Review the duration of current school crossing guard supervision at all of the PXO locations being evaluated during 10.3 Warrant Method the morning, lunch midday and afternoon dismissal school peak periods. Then determine a common school duration that The warrant method at a PXO is dependent on whether the best satisfies all of the PXO locations. For example, if school PXO is located at a midblock location or in the vicinity of an crossing guards are currently implemented at a minimum intersection. It is important to distinguish this because a PXO of 30 minutes at all of the locations during various school OTC School Crossing Guard Guide 2023 45