New electronic whistles for crossing guards
Push-button devices are byproduct of the COVID-19 pandemic
The city of Niagara Falls has launched a new two-step whistle system at all crossing guard locations.
Since Feb. 8, crossing guards at 44 locations across the city have been using whistles to help them communicate with pedestrians and drivers.
“We wanted to ensure the guards are heard as well as seen,” said Julie Ellis, the city’s school crossing guard co-ordinator.
Electronic whistles were chosen over traditional whistles as there is no need to remove the face coverings crossing guards are required to wear for COVID-19 protection. The whistles are activated with a button.
After sounding the whistle to alert drivers, the crossing guard will enter the roadway when it is safe to do so.
“Basically, if you hear that whistle sound, you had better be stopped already or in the process of stopping. No creeping into the crosswalk, turning movements, lane changing or travelling through the crosswalk,” said Ellis.
After traffic has stopped, the guard will sound the whistle once at a controlled crossing or twice at an uncontrolled crossing to let pedestrians know it is safe to proceed.
A number of municipalities across Ontario have adopted use of the electronic whistles for the current school year. There are about 65 crossing guards in Niagara Falls.
“The guards are on duty every school day, regardless of the weather, to help our city’s most vulnerable pedestrians safely and actively travel to and from school,” Ellis said.