Slow Down. Stay Alert. Help Crossing Guards Protect Kids.

With thousands of students heading back to school, the City of Albuquerque reminds drivers that keeping children safe starts behind the wheel. Drivers are urged to slow down in school zones, obey crossing guards and school bus laws, eliminate distractions, and exercise patience during the busy morning and afternoon commutes.

Every school day, City crossing guards help hundreds of children safely cross streets near schools throughout Albuquerque. They stand in traffic to protect students and families, often in challenging conditions. Unfortunately several crossing guards have been struck by vehicles while performing their duties, even in active school zones with flashing lights.

"Our crossing guards show up daily with one mission: getting kids safely to and from school," said Mayor Tim Keller. "We need every driver to do their part by slowing down, staying alert, and remembering that a few extra seconds can save a life."

As families adjust to the return of school traffic, the City encourages drivers to:

• Respect crossing guards by following their directions promptly and treating them with courtesy.
• Remember that crossing guards are protecting children. Give them your full attention and wait until they have safely cleared the crosswalk before proceeding.
• Be patient. A few moments of waiting can help prevent a serious crash or injury.
• Never drive around or through a crosswalk while a crossing guard is assisting students.
• Give crossing guards plenty of space and be prepared to stop whenever they enter the roadway.
• Slow down and stay alert — crossing guards work just feet away from moving traffic and rely on drivers to obey school zone laws.
• Show courtesy and kindness. Crossing guards are public servants dedicated to keeping children safe and deserve to be treated with respect.

“We appreciate the crossing guards who keep our kids safe, but we need help from drivers too,” said APD Chief Cecily Barker. “Please slow down, put your phones away, and pay extra attention at school crossing zones.”

Parents, caregivers, and students also play an important role in school zone safety. Families are encouraged to use designated crosswalks, follow crossing guard instructions, and talk with children about safely crossing streets and remaining alert around traffic.

"Our crossing guards are neighbors, parents, grandparents, and dedicated public servants who care deeply about our community," said Youth and Family Services Director Jess Martinez. "They deserve to return home safely at the end of every shift, just as every child deserves to arrive safely at school."

The City employs crossing guards at schools throughout Albuquerque to help ensure students can safely travel to and from campus. Their work is an essential part of creating safer neighborhoods and supporting student success.

As another school year begins, the City asks every driver to remember one simple message: Slow down, watch for kids, and protect the crossing guards who protect them.