During the last 40 years, child school crossing patrols have been engaged in order to increase the safety of children on their way to school. This activity has been discussed repeatedly. Those who are critical claim that children are exposed to accident and health risks from cars, their exhaust fumes and noise. Children also run the risk of being ignored by drivers when standing with their arms outstretched. Their self-confidence could then be influenced negatively. On the contrary, adherents of the activity argue that children develop their responsibility and furthermore, reduce the speed of traffic simply by being present. The aim of this study was to make a survey of the activity. The study was carried out in two steps: 1) Questionnaire No 1 was distributed to the local education authorities in order to learn whether they had school crossing patrols. If so, the reason for organizing such patrols was to be stated. The schools having school crossing patrols were then identified; 2) Questionnaire No 2, which had the aim of describing the organization of the activity, was distributed to these schools, Step 1 was carried out during the spring of 1989. The results show that approximately 1/3 (103) of a total of 285 local authorities in the country had school crossing patrols, 1/3 (85) had patrols, but the activity had ceased and 1/3 (97) had never had any school crossing patrols. The local authorities where school crossing patrols still existed reported an increase in road safety and stated that the traffic environment demands such patrols. The reasons reported by the local authorities for abandoning the activity were above all changes in the physical environment, as well as responsibility and health risks. The local authorities where patrols had never existed reported reasons such as the traffic situation not demanding school crossing patrols and that other measures had been taken. The questionnaire shows that opinions on the school crossing patrols and their existence and usefulness differ, Step 2 was carried out in the autumn of 1989. The results from questionnaire No 2 show that almost 10,000 pupils were engaged in the activity. Most of the pupils were only on duty in the morning and they were often stationed at crossings with dense traffic. The contact persons, often the teacher, believed that in most cases pupils join in because they feel proud to do so and/or because of the reward, mainly diplomas and free outings. Most patrols are obliged to report their activity and this is followed up in some way, most often by informing the pupil who has violated the traffic rules, only a few adults are involved in the practical activity in the streets. Where this is the case the police are primarily involved. During the last school year children have been injured at six schools where school crossing patrols were stationed. Few alternatives to the activity have been tested. Where this has been the case, adults helped children to cross the streets. The contact persons' own attitudes to the activity are very positive. (A)
Abstract