WATCH ABOVE: Students are looking out for looking out for fellow students by being a crosswalk patrollers, and they are back on the job. Erik Mikkelsen takes a look at how they are making sure their peers get through the intersections safely.
LETHBRIDGE – While parents and students struggle to get ready in the morning, school safety patrollers are strapping on their fluorescent vests and grabbing their stop signs.
Nine-year-old Josie Meyer starts Grade 5 this school year, and is also starting out as a brand new safety patroller.
“My brother did it and he said it was really fun,” said Meyer. “So, I said to myself, ‘well if it’s fun then I’ll probably think it’s fun.’”
Meyer is one of five patrollers who stop traffic at the intersection on 9 Avenue North in front of Galbraith Elementary School. The Alberta Motor Association sponsors the patrolling program and says student interest comes from the want to protect their peers.
“The patrollers want to keep their other classmates safe and it’s a leadership role,” said Allison Pike, AMA school safety patrol regional coordinator. “That’s what they do in Grade 5… they’re the big kids of the school.”
The Lethbridge Regional Police Service and the patrollers want to remind drivers that when they are out stopping traffic on the crosswalks they act just as normal stop signs. While on scene today two drivers actually went through the intersection while the stop signs were out. One driver was pulled over.
“Just another case and point why as a pedestrian you have to make sure you stop and make eye contact with the driver to make sure they’re going to stop before you cross the street,” said Cst. Jason Roth. “Take care of yourself first always, parents should be teaching their kids that as well.”
Meyer is excited that school is back underway. She is saying hello to old friends, making new ones, and once again getting the chance to learn. When you factor in her new safety role at the school, it just adds to that excitement.
“We can look back and say, ‘oh well I remember doing that, it was really fun!’” said Meyer.
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