'It's terrifying': Langford school crossing guards say near misses are daily occurrence
Crossing guards are the unsung heroes for more than 1,000 children travelling to two schools in Langford’s Westhills neighbourhood each morning.
"We have to keep these kids safe and that’s our priority," said Kailey Sutherland, a crossing guard near Pexsisen Elementary School.
But keeping those kids safe has become a major concern.
"Children’s safety is at risk at this point," said Shae-Lynn Mellors, another crossing guard.
"It’s terrifying," said Sutherland.
The crossing guards say they're speaking out and highlighting drivers' bad behaviour before someone gets seriously injured.
"There’s a lot of people who aren’t stopping," said Sutherland.
"Speed would be a major issue," added Mellors.
The pair say some drivers simply disregard the crossing guards' authority.
"They ignore us," said Sutherland. "They’re swearing at us, they’re yelling at us."
"It’s exhausting to get yelled at and not respected each and everyday," said Mellors.
'HIT OR KILLED'
The West Shore RCMP were out in front of the schools on Tuesday morning hoping to send a message to drivers.
RCMP are pictured outside the school on March 7, 2023. (CTV News)"You do have to obey a crossing guard at a crosswalk," said Const. Andrew Matheson with the West Shore RCMP.
"You must yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk and you can’t pass another car that is stopped at a crosswalk," he said.
Kate Clifford, a parent who drops her child off at Pexsisen Elementary School, says the situation is "insane."
"I’ve seen some very close calls," she said.
After witnessing those close calls, Clifford’s son, Charlie, now travels with his own stop sign hoping to get the attention of drivers.
Little Charlie Clifford is pictured with his homemade stop sign asking drivers to slow down when he crosses the street. (CTV News)"He likes to hold it up and be like the crossing guards," said Clifford.
Jennie Nilsson, Parent Advisory Council president of Pexsisen Elementary School, says drivers need to do better before it's too late.
"We are the voice of the parents, so the parents are all concerned," she said.
"We would hate for something to change just because somebody was hit or killed."
Crossing guards say that's their biggest fear at the crosswalk.
"It’s only a matter of time until either one of us crossing guards gets hit, or a child," said Sutherland.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.