HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-06-05; Traffic Safety Commission; ; Establish Chapter 10 of the Caltrans Traffic Manual entitled "School Area Pedestrian Safety 1993", or the latest revision thereof, as the warrants, guidelines, or critCITY OF CARLSBAD
TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
COMMISSION MEETING OF: June 5, 1995
LOCATION: Citywide
INITIATED BY: Traffic Engineer
ITEM NO. 6A
REQUESTED ACTION: Establish Chapter 10 of the Caltrans Traffic Manual entitled
"School Area Pedestrian Safety 1993", or the latest revision
thereof, as the warrants, guidelines, or criteria to be used for
placement of traffic control devices or Adult Crossing Guards in
and around school zones.
BACKGROUND:
Staff in the Engineering Department use warrants, guidelines, and criteria contained in
Chapter 10 of the Caltrans Traffic Manual for determination of placement of traffic
control devices or Adult Crossing Guards in and around school zones. However, use of
this Chapter has never been as a result of a formal policy of the City of Carlsbad. It is
required by the California Vehicle Code that a City establish warrants for placement of
traffic control devices in school zones.
DATA:
The Caltrans Traffic Manual is utilized by staff for determining the installation and proper
application of various traffic control devices. This manual contains warrants and
guidelines when assessing the installation and/or placement of the devices.
California Vehicle Code Section 21372 requires the City to establish and promulgate
warrants to be used as guidelines for the placement of traffic control devices near schools
for the purpose of protecting students going to and from school. Establishing a policy to
utilize Chapter 10 of the Caltrans Traffic Manual, and having the City Council adopt such
a policy, would be consistent with the requirement of the California Vehicle Code.
Language contained in the Caltrans Traffic Manual is clearly recommendatory, and
nonmandatory and, therefore, would not constitute a trap for the City establishing instant
liability for failure to follow the guidelines. Indeed, in Searcy v. Hemet Unified School
District (1986) 177 Cal.App.3d 792, 223 Cal.Rptr. 206, the Fourth District Court of
Appeal found the provisions of Chapter 10 of the Caltrans Traffic Manual not applicable
to the school district or the Highway Patrol, but also found that even if they had been
adopted by the school district that they were merely guidelines:
CITY OF CARLSBAD
TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
COMMISSION :MEETING OF: June 5, 1995 ITEMNO. 6A
(continued)
"Although these advisory materials can be utilized by governmental
agencies to improve student safety, the authority they provide is
discretionary; they do not impose mandatory duties upon School
District or CHP within the meaning of Gov. Code section 815.6."
(Searcy v. Hemet Unified School Distr. supra 223 Cal.Rptr at 211.)
In school zones, staff routinely faces issues regarding the installation of traffic control
devices or utilization of Adult Crossing Guards. Having the City Council adopt a
Resolution to utilize Chapter 10 of the Caltrans Traffic Manual has the advantages of:
1. Compliance with the California Vehicle Code.
2. A voids other subjective material or criteria by individuals or groups being
presented as more realistic evaluation criteria in a school zone.
Issues involving school zones and pedestrian safety are usually very emotional when
discussed with parents, the PTA and/or school officials. The standardized, objective
criteria contained in Chapter 10 additionally serves the purpose of providing the warrants
and guidelines for decisions and recommendations by staff regarding school zones.
The attached draft Resolution, if adopted by the City Council, would establish Chapter 10
as the criteria to be utilized in school zones by City of Carlsbad staff to evaluate traffic
control devices and/or Adult 'Crossing Guards.
RECOM:MENDATION:
The Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee recommends that the attached draft
Resolution be recommended for adoption by the City Council to establish Chapter 10 of
the Caltrans Traffic Manual as the warrants, guidelines, or criteria for evaluation of traffic
control devices and/or Adult Crossing Guards in and around school zones.
NECESSARY CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
The recommended Resolution would need to be adopted by the City Council to establish
Chapter 10 of the Caltrans Traffic Manual as the warrants, guidelines, or criteria to be
used by staff to evaluate traffic control devices or Adult Crossing Guards in and around
school zones.
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RESOLUTION NO. ___ _
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING CHAPTER 10 OF THE
CALTRANS TRAFFIC MANUALAS THE WARRANTS, GUIDELINES,
AND CRITERIA THAT THE CITY OF CARLSBAD WILL USE TO
EVALUATE TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES OR NEED FOR ADULT
CROSSING GUARDS IN AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ZONE.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad has determined it necessary and
desirable to establish criteria to determine elementary school crossing protection needs; and
WHEREAS, the issue of school pedestrian safety is jointly the responsibility of parents,
individual schools and school districts, law enforcement agencies, and local government, as well
as the responsibility of drivers and pedestrians; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad desires to actively participate in
solutions to help provide safe passage for school pedestrians; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad desires to adopt uniform standards
under which the City of Carlsbad will evaluate if warrants for Adult Crossing Guards are met at
an intersection used by elementary school pedestrians; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad desires to adopt uniform standards
under which the City of Carlsbad will evaluate the need for and placement of traffic control
devices; and
WHEREAS, the California Vehicle Code requires the City of Carlsbad to establish and
promulgate warrants to be used as guidelines for the placement of traffic control devices near
schools for the purpose of protecting students going to and from school.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad,
California, as follows:
Ill
Ill
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
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2. That the City Council does hereby ordain that the warrants, guidelines, and criteria
set forth in Chapter 10 of the Caltrans Traffic Manual, the document attached hereto marked
Exhibit "A" entitled, "School Area Pedestrian Safety 1993" or the latest revision thereof, is adopted
as the official policy of the City of Carlsbad, under which the City of Carlsbad will evaluate traffic
control devices and determine if warrants for an Adult Crossing Guard are met at an intersection
used by elementary school pedestrians.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Carlsbad City Council
held on the __ day of ______ _, 1995 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
CLAUDE A. LEWIS, Mayor
ATTEST:
ALETHA L RAUTENKRANZ, City Clerk (SEAL)
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
BUSINESS, TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AGENCY
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
SCHOOL
AREA
PEDESTRIAN
SAFETY
1993
PETE WILSON
Governor
LEEF. DETER JAMES W. VAN LOBEN SELS
Director, Department of Transportation Deputy Director, Transportation Management
JAMES B. BORDEN
Chief, Division of Traffic Operations
Traffic Manual SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY 10-0.1
------------------------------------8-1993
INTRODUCTION
Traffic accidents involving the injury or death of pedestrians are one of the most critical problems
confronting Traffic Engineers. This traffic issue arouses significant emotion and public indignation
when the pedestrians are school-age children. Parents and civic leaders are persistent in their demands
for more signs, markings, signals, and crossing protection in and around school areas and other locations
which attract children.
Accident statistics indicate that children are more often involved in non-school related accidents.
They may be indicative that the standard treatments prescribed for traffic control around school facilities
are effective. More effort is apparently spent on providing protection for children than on teaching them
how to protect themselves. Adherence to these uniform standards and safety provisions is apparently a
critical contributing factor to improving the overall pedestrian accident problem.
The standards and the guidelines presented herein relate to school pedestrians, in grades Kindergarten
through 12th. They are presented separately from the general application and design of traffic control
devices because of the special nature of the school pedestrian.
This is Chapter 10 of the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Traffic Manual, and is also
published separately for easy reference.
• This Manual may be purchased from the State of California, Department of Transportation, 1900 Royal
Oaks Drive, Sacramento, California 95815.
10-0.2 SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY Traffic Manual
8-1993 -------------------------------------
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Need for Uniformity
As with other forms of traffic control, uniformity in application and operation of traffic control
devices around school facilities promotes the orderly and predictable movement of traffic. It is
especially significant that motorists understand comprehend their responsibilities as they are typically
more mature, aware, and experienced in traffic situations than young school pedestrians.
There are many instances where school area controls were installed as a result of emotional requests
from parents or school officials. Many of these controls are not only unnecessary, but costly to
maintain. More importantly, the lack of respect accorded the unwarranted control lessens the respect for
traffic control devices in general. Thus, it is necessary to stress that traffic controls for pedestrians in
school areas must be uniformly applied on the basis of established guidelines combined with sound
engineering studies. Care must be exercised to avoid the pitfalls of overreacting to the emotional
demands for excessive traffic control devices.
From an engineering standpoint, the problem of traffic control and operation in school areas is one of (
evaluating approved devices while taking into consideration child-pedestrian behavior and driver
reaction. To fully appreciate the fundamental criteria for school area protection, it is necessary to
understand the behavior of both the young pedestrian and the adult driver.
The following information has been excerpted from the Federal Highway Administration publication
"Traffic Control Devices Handbook". The conclusions and viewpoints expressed are based on various
national research projects.
Characteristics of Young Pedestrians
Research on the behavior of children as pedestrians and the extent of their perception and judgment in
a traffic situation shows that children from 6 to 16 years of age are generally inattentive and careless in
crossing streets. Behavior studies indicate the following general characteristics of this age group:
• Physical Perception: Peripheral vision is not as well developed in children as in adults.
• Physical Stature: The small stature of children under 9 years old (3.6 feet average) presents
difficulties in their seeing oncoming vehicles beyond parked cars as well as difficulties for the
drivers in seeing these small pedestrians.
• Use of Crosswalks: About two-thirds of the children will use a marked crosswalk at an
uncontrolled intersection. The percentage increases at signalized intersections. When non-student
crossing guards are present, almost all children use the crosswalk.
• Use of Traffic Signals: Only two-thirds of the young pedestrians will cross on the green indication
where crossing guards are not present. With crossing guards, nearly all young pedestrians cross on
green. With pedestrian-actuated signals, less than half will actuate the signal, and will cross during
gaps in traffic if crossing guards are not present.
• Use of Over or Underpasses: Children between age 5 and 16 will generally use over or
underpasses when a crossing guard is nearby or when fences channel them to the crossing.
The lack of attention to the traffic situation is a major factor in accidents involving children. Sixty
percent of the children involved in accidents did not see the vehicle. Seventeen percent of the accident
victims under 14 years of age had either run into the roadway, appeared suddenly in the path of the
vehicle, or crossed from between parked cars.
Traffic Manual SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY 10-0.3
-------------------------------------8-1993
From another viewpoint, the young pedestrian that is not generally involved in accidents may be
characterized as follows: goes to school with friends, goes the same way every day, selects the route
taken because it is short, and would change the route if told to by parents. In the trip to school, this type
of youth crosses three or more streets at non -signalized crossings; crosses one or more streets with a
policeman, crossing guard, or student patrol present; does not cross in the middle of the block; crosses
when there are no cars in sight; was told how to cross the street safely by parents; knows it is safer to
walk cross the street than to run; would run out into the street to save a child or animal; would cross a
signalized intersection when the light is green; thinks a marked crosswalk at the comer is a safer place to
cross than mid-block or an unmarked crosswalk; feels safer going home from school than to school; and
is more worried about being hit by a car when it is dark.
The youngest pedestrians, age 9 and under, are involved in more than their share of accidents.
Kindergarten through third grade students have considerable difficulty understanding and properly using
school area traffic signals and crosswalks. They are more likely to cross mid-block or against a red
signal than older students. The young pedestrian at each age level considers the location with a crossing
guard or student patrol the safest place to cross.
Driver Behavioral Characteristics
Usually, the driver using roadways surrounding school facilities is a local resident driving to work. A
. typical composite shows that the driver has a child between the ages of 5 and 9 and is aware of the
school area-not because of signing but because of familiarity with the area. The driver knows that the
legal speed limit through the school zone is between 15 and 25 miles per hour, but is nevertheless
driving through the zone between 31 and 35 miles per hour. The driver does not perceive the existing
signs unless there is a flashing beacon associated with a speed sign, and is not aware of the intent of the
traffic signs. Even though the driver is aware of the flashing beacon and speed sign, he will not slow
down for the school zone unless he perceives a potential hazard. Driver behavior studies have
concluded that vehicular speeds in school zones are reduced only when children are visible, crossing
guards are visible, or when police enforcement is evident.
Given the characteristics of the young pedestrians and the attitudes and perceptions of the typical
driver traveling through school zones, it becomes obvious that uniform control devices properly applied
and enforced are needed to protect young pedestrians.
Protective Measures
The protection of school pedestrians is the shared responsibility of parents, school administrators,
traffic officials, civic leaders, and vehicle drivers. There is little doubt that programs in the home and
school to train the child as a responsible pedestrian are an important factor in improving safety. The
following sections address the current practices in applying uniform measures to safeguard young
pedestrians. Such protective measures include safe walking routes, signs, markings, signals, pedestrian
separation structures, adult crossing guards and school safety patrols.
Legal Authority
California Vehicle Code (CVC) references are used throughout this chapter when the subject matter
relates to the law.
CVC 21372 Guidelines for Traffic Control Devices Near Schools. The Department of Transportation
and local authorities shall, with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions, establish and
promulgate warrants to be used as guidelines for the placement of traffic control devices near schools
for the purpose of protecting students going to and from school. Such devices may include flashing
beacons. Such warrants shall be based upon, but need not be limited to, the following items: pedestrian
volumes, vehicle volumes, width of the roadway, physical terrain, speed of vehicle traffic, horizontal and
vertical alignment of the roadway, the distance to existing traffic control devices, proximity to the
school, and the degree of urban or rural environment of the area.
10-0.4 SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY Traffic Manual
8-1993 ------------------------------------
Speed limits in the vicinity of schools are established by Sections 22350 (Basic Speed Law), 22352(b)
and 22358.4 of the California Vehicle Code, paraphrased as follows:
CVC 22350 Basic Speed Law. No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater
than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on and the surface
and width of the highway, and in no event at speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.
CVC 22352 Prima Facie Speed Limits. (b) twenty-five miles per hour (2) when passing a school
building or the grounds thereof, contiguous to a highway and posted with a standard "SCHOOL"
warning sign (W65 as used in Installations A and C), while children are going to or leaving such school
either during school hours or during the noon recess period. The prima facie limit shall also apply
when passing any school grounds which are not separated from the highway by a fence , gate or other
physical barrier while the grounds are in use by children and the highway is posted with a standard
"SCHOOL" warning sign.
CVC 22358.4 Decrease of Local Limits Near Schools or Senior Centers. Whenever a local authority
determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey that the prima facie speed limit of 25
miles per hour established by paragraph (2) or ( 3) of subdivision (b) of Section 22352 is more than is
reasonable or safe, the local authority may, by ordinance or resolution determine and declare a prima
facie speed limit of20 or 15 miles per hour, whichever is justified as the appropriate speed limit by such (
survey. The ordinance or resolution shall not be effective until appropriate signs giving notice of the
speed limit are erected upon the highway and, in the case of a state highway, until the ordinance is
approved by the Department of Transportation and the appropriate signs are erected upon the highway.
CVC 223585 Downward Speed Zoning . It is the intent of the Legislature that physical conditions
such as width, curvature, grade and surface conditions, or any other condition readily apparent to a
driver, in the absence of other factors would not require special downward speed zoning, as the basic
rule of Section 22350 is sufficient regulation as to such conditions.
Other CVC sections are annotated throughout the text where applicable.
Traffic Manual SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY 10-0.5
-----------------------------------8-1993
Definitions
As used in this chapter:
1. "ADEQUATE CROSSING GAP" -see page 10-16.
2. "CVC" -the California Vehicle Code.
3. "CAC" ... the California Administrative Code.
4. "ELEMENTARY SCHOOL" -usually the first six or the first eight grades (including
kindergarten), or as may be defined by a local School District, Board, or Agency.
5. "RURAL AREAS" -those areas inhabited by fewer than 10,000 residents.
6. "SCHOOL CROSSWALKS" and "SCHOOL CROSSINGS" -all marked crosswalks along the
"Suggested Route to School" (See Section 10-02.3 [1]).
7. "SCHOOL ZONE" -all streets and highways contiguous to the school grounds (public or private)
when "SCHOOL" warning signs (W65) are in place.
8. "SCHOOL PEDESTRIANS", "CHILDREN", and "STUDENTS" -used interchangeably and may
include student bicyclists for the purpose of determining appropriate crossing protection
measures.
9. "SHALL" - A mandatory condition. Where certain requirements in the design and application of
a device are described with the "shall" stipulation, it is mandatory when an installation is made
that these requirements be met.
10. "SHOULD" -An advisory condition. Where the word "should" is used it is considered to be
advisable usage, recommended but not mandatory.
11. "MAY" -A permissive condition. No requirements for design or application are intended.
Traffic Manual SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY 10-0.6
--------------------------------8-1993
Index No.
10-01
10-01.1
10-01.2
10-01.3
10-01.4
10-02
10-02.1
10-02.2
10-02.3
10-02.4
10-02.5
10-03
10-03.1
10-03.2
t0-03.3
10-03.4
10-03.5
10-03.6
10-03.7
10-03.8
10-04
10-04.1
10-04.2
10-04.3
10-04.4
10-04.5
10-04.6
10-05
10-05.1
10-05.2
10-06
10-06.1
10-06.2
10-07
10-07.1
10-07.2
10-07.3
10-07.4
10-07.5
10-07.6
10-07.7
10-07.8
10-07.9
10-07.10
CHAPTER 10
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No .
GENERAL ............................................................................................. 10-1
Need for Uniformity ......................................................................... 10-1
Application of Guidelines ................................................................ 10-1
Engineering and Traffic Survey Required ....................................... 10-1
Maintenance of Traffic Control Devices ......................................... 10-1
SCHOOL ROUTES AND
ESTABLISHED SCHOOL CROSSINGS ............................................. 10-2
Policy ............................................................................................... 10-2
Staff and Committee Responsibility ................................................ 10-2
School Responsibility ...................................................................... 10-2
Governmental Traffic Agency Responsibility ................................. 10-3
School Crossing Control Criteria ..................................................... 10-3
SIGNS .................................................................................................... 10-4
Design of Signs ................................................................................ 10-4
Dimensions of Signs ........................................................................ 10-4
Illumination and Reflectorization of Signs ...................................... 10-4
Position of Signs .............................................................................. 10-5
Height of Signs ................................................................................. 10-5
Erection of Signs .............................................................................. 10-5
Parking and Stopping Signs ............................................................. 10-5
Policy for School Area Signs ........................................................... 10-7
MARKINGS .......................................................................................... 10-10
Functions and Limitations of Markings ........................................... 10-10
Uniformity ........................................................................................ 10-10
Crosswalk Lines ............................................................................... 10-10
Limit Lines (Stop Lines) .................................................................. 10-10
Curb Markings for Parking Restrictions .......................................... 10-11
Word and Symbol Markings ............................................................ 10-11
FLASHING YELLOW BEACONS ...................................................... 10-12
Function of Flashing Yell ow Beacons ............................................. 10-12
Warrants for Flashing Yellow Beacons ........................................... 10-12
SCHOOL CROSSING TRAFFIC SIGNALS ....................................... .10-12
Function of School Crossing Traffic Signals ................................... 10-12
Warrants for School Crossing Traffic Signals ................................. 10-12
CROSSING SUPERVISION ................................................................. 10-13
Types of Crossing Supervision ........................................................ 10-13
Adult Crossing Guards ..................................................................... 10-13
Warrants for Adult Crossing Guards ............................................... 10-13
Legal Authority and
Program Funding for Adult Crossing Guards .................................. 10-14
Choice of Adult Crossing Guards .................................................... 10-15
Uniform of Adult Crossing Guards ............................................ : ..... 10-15
Training Programs for Adult Crossing Guards ................................ 10-15
Operating Procedures for Adult Crossing Guards ........................... 10-15
School Safety Patrols ....................................................................... 10-16
Warrants for School Safety Patrols .................................................. 10-16
Date
March, 1987
• March, 1987
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August, 1993
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10-0.7 SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY Traffic Manual
~1993 --------------------------------
Index No.
10-07.11
10-07.12
10-07.13
10-07.14
10-08
10-08.1
10-08.2
10-08.3
10-09
10-09.1
10-09.2
Figure No.
10-1
10-2
10-3
10-4
10-5
10-6
TABLE OF CONTENTS-Continued
Page No. Date
Legal Authority for School Safety Patrols ....................................... 10-16 March, 1987
Choice of School Safety Patrols ....................................................... 10-16 March, 1987
Operating Procedures for School Safety Patrols .............................. 10-17 March, 1987
Uniform of School Safety Patrols .................................................... 10-17 August, 1993
GRADE SEPARATION CROSSINGS ................................................. 10-18 March, 1987
Function of Grade Crossing Separation Crossings .......................... 10-18 March, 1987
Types of Grade Separation Crossings .............................................. 10-18 March, 1987
Criteria for Use of Grade Separation Crossings ............................... 10-18 March, 1987
PEDESTRIAN WALKWAYS .............................................................. 10-19 March, 1987
Function of Pedestrian Walkways .................................................... 10-19 March, 1987
Criteria for Use of Pedestrian Walkways ......................................... 10-19 March, 1987
LIST OF FIGURES
Page No.
Height and Lateral Position for Signs .................................................... 10-20
Typical School Route Plan ..................................................................... 10-21
School Located In An Area With A Speed Limit
Greater Than 25 Mph On Through Highway ......................................... 10-22
School Located IN 25 Mph Business
Or Residential Area With Many School Crossings ............................... 10-23
School Adjacent To Highway At Mid-block Location
Where Flashing Yellow Beacons Are Warranted .................................. 10-24
Typical Installation For Flashing Yell ow Beacons
And Overhead School Signs .................................................................. 10-25
Date
March, 1987
March, 1987
August, 1993
August, 1993
March, 1987
August, 1993
(
Traffic Manual SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY 10-1
------------------------------------8-1993
CHAPTER10
SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
General 10-01
10-01.1 Need for Uniformity
Traffic control in school areas is a highly
sensitive subject. If all the demands of parents
and others were met, there would have to be
many more police and adult guards for school
duty; and many more traffic signals, signs, and
markings. Such demands, however, are not
always in line with actual needs.
Analyses often show that at many locations,
school crossing controls requested by parents,
.teachers and other citizens are unnecessary and
·costly and tend to lessen the respect for controls
that are warranted. It is therefore important to
stress the point that regardless of the school
location, safe and effective traffic control can
best be obtained through the uniform application
of realistic policies, practices and guidelines
developed through engineering studies.
Pedestrian safety depends in large measure
upon public understanding of accepted methods
for efficient traffic control. This principle is
never more important than in the control of
pedestrians and vehicles in the vicinity of
schools. Neither school children nor vehicle
operators can be expected to move safely in
school areas unless they understand both the need
for traffic controls and the ways in which these
controls function for their benefit.
Nonuniform procedures and devices cause
confusion among pedestrians and vehicle
operators, prompt wrong decisions, and can
contribute to accidents. In order to achieve
uniformity of traffic control in school areas,
comparable traffic situations must be treated in
the same manner. Each traffic control device and
control method described in this chapter fulfills a
specific function related to specific traffic
conditions. An important point to be made is that
a uniform approach to school area traffic controls
must be employed to assure the use of similar
controls for similar situations, which promotes
uniform behavior on the part of vehicle operators
and pedestrians.
10-01.2 Application of Guldellnes
The guidelines of this chapter apply to all
streets and highways open to public travel
regardless of type or the level of governmental
agency having jurisdiction (see eve 21372).
All traffic control devices used in school areas
shall conform to the specifications of this chapter
and other applicable sections of the State Traffic
Manual. It is the intent that the provisions of this
chapter define the warrants for traffic control
devices, but shall not be a legal requirement for
their installation.
10-01.3 Engineering and Traffic Survey Required
The decision to use a particular device at a
particular location should be made on the basis
of an engineering and traffic survey (see eve
21373). Thus, while this chapter provides
standards for design and application of traffic
control devices in school areas, it is not meant to
be a substitute for engineering judgement.
10-01.4 Maintenance of Traffic Control Devices
Maintenance of devices must be to high
standards to assure that legibility is retained, that
the device is visible, that it is functioning
properly, and that it is removed if no longer
needed. Devices which are used on a part-time
basis should be in operation only during the time
periods they are required, especially where safety
or effectiveness could be compromised by their
continued operation.
10-2 SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY Traffic Manual
8-1993 ------------------------------------
School Routes and Established School Crossings 10-02
10-02.1 Polley
There is a need in each school district to
establish an organization concerned with the
safety of students enroute to and from school.
Through such an organization the school district
can be responsibly involved in processing
requests for traffic safety controls and for safety
programs, and through its action can coordinate
activities within and between the community and
public agencies.
In order to provide a responsible
administrative structure for school area
protection, each school district is encouraged to
(1) assign student safety responsibilities to a
competent staff member and/or (2) organize a
school safety advisory committee to se:r;ve the
needs of each public and/or private school. Each
staff member and/or safety advisory committee
may serve one or more schools, depending upon
the size of the district, geographical locations of
schools, the number of governmental
jurisdictions involved and the scope or number of
student-traffic related problems.
When the advisory committee structure is
used, the committee should be composed of
governmental and school district authorities who
have the responsibility and authority to initiate
and provide programs and projects.
Representatives from the city and/or county
superintendent of schools office should be the
official members. Advisors should include
representatives of the local area Safety Council,
city and/or county traffic engineers, police
authorities, the Parent-Teachers Association,
Automobile Clubs (AAA), plus others as needed.
10-02.2 Staff and Committee Responslblllty
The duties of staff members and/or each
committee should be to guide and coordinate all
activities connected with the school traffic safety
program, such as:
1. Establish traffic safety policies and
procedures.
2. Recommend priorities for proposed
improvement projects.
3. Notify immediately the responsible
agencies of urgent school-pedestrian-traffic
related safety problems.
4. Review and approve the various phases of
the school student traffic safety program.
5. Review and process requests and
complaints.
6. Promote good public relations.
County Superintendent of School's office
should coordinate all safety committees' actions
in establishing and promoting uniform practices
for school pedestrian safety throughout the
county.
10-02.3 School Responsibility
Problems about school pedestrian safety on the
approaches to the school, raised by parents and
others, shall be referred to the local principal for
review and transmission to the appropriate staff
person or to the school safety advisory
committee. The school district governing
board may request the appropriate city, county,
or state agency to install traffic control devices.
The agency involved shall undertake an
engineering and traffic survey to determine
whether the request is warranted. The school
district may be required to pay an amount up to
50 percent of the cost of the survey (see CVC
21373).
The principal or designated staff person of
every school serving kindergarten and
elementary students should:
1. Develop, cooperatively with local
officials, a "Suggested Route to School"
plan showing all streets, school location,
and the routes to be used by students
enroute to and from school.
School routes should be planned to take
advantage of the protection afforded by
existing traffic controls. This planning
criterion may make it necessary for
children to walk an indirect, longer
'
Traffic Manual SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY 10-3
-------------------------------------8-1993
distance to an established school crossing
located where there is existing traffic
control, and to avoid the use of a more
direct crossing where there is no existing
traffic control.
Factors to be considered when determining
the feasibility of requiring children to walk
a longer distance to a crossing (at a
• location with existing traffic control) are:
a. The availability of adequate, safe sidewalks
or off-roadway sidewalk areas to and from
the location with existing control,
b. The number of children using the crossing,
c. The age levels of the children using the
crossing, and
d. The total extra walking distance.
Guidelines applying to the development of
school routes are contained in a "A
Teacher's Guide to the Safest Route to
School Project" booklet.*
A typical sc hool route plan 1s shown in
Figure 10-2.
2. Instruct the students on the use and purpose
of the "Suggested Route to School" plan.
3. Make periodic field reviews of the plan to
ensure that the "Suggested Route to
School" is being used. Special attention
should be given to unsafe activities of the
students. Recommendations for alteration
or addition of parking, bus loading and
traffic controls, and removal of
obstructions along the route should be
referred promptly to the responsible
government agency.
4. Review the "Suggested Route to School"
plan annually for any necessary revisions
or additions.
(*) Available from the Automobile Club of Southern California
and the California State Automobile Association (AAA).
10-02.4 Governmental Traffic Agency Responsi-
bility
Responsible traffic authorities shall investigate
all locations along the "Suggested Route to
School" where substantial school pedestrian-
vehicle conflicts may occur and recommend
appropriate traffic control measures. Inherent in
this analytical process are two fundamental
assumptions developed from successful past
experience:
1. The maximum delay to students at an
uncontrolled crossing should be no greater
than would be experienced if a traffic
control signal were in operation at the
location.
2. An adequate crossing gap in approaching
traffic should occur randomly at an
average rate of at least once each minute
during the school crossing period.
10-02.5 School Crossing Control Criteria
Alternate gaps and blockades are formed in
the vehicular traffic stream in a pattern peculiar
to each crossing location. For safety, a
pedestrian must wait for a gap in traffic that is of
sufficient duration to permit a street crossing
without interference from vehicular traffic. When
the delay between the occurrence of adequate
gaps becomes excessive, children may become
impatient and endanger themselves by
attempting to cross the street during an
inadequate gap. This delay may be considered
excessive when the number of adequate gaps in
the traffic stream, during the period the children
are using a crossing, is less than the number of
minutes in that same time period. With this
condition (when adequate gaps occur less
frequently than an average of one per minute)
some form of traffic control is needed which will
create in the traffic stream the gaps necessary to
reduce the hazard.
10-4 SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY Traffic Manual
8-1993 ------------------------------------
Information developed from field studies will
determine the safety measures that are justified at
the crossing. Types of school pedestrian safety
measures include:
1. Warning signs and markings.
2. Variable speed limits.
3. Intersection stop signs.
4. Flashing yellow beacons.
5. Traffic signals.
6. Remove visibility obstructions.
7. School Safety Patrol.
8. Adult Crossing Guard.
9. Pedestrian separation structures.
10. Pedestrian walkways along the roadway.
11. Pedestrian walkways separated from the
roadway.
12. Parking controls and curb-use zones.
13. Bus transportation.
Some warrants to be used as guidelines for
their application are discussed throughout this
chapter.
Signs 10-03
10-03.1 Design of Signs
Uniformity in design includes shape, color,
dimensions, symbols, wording, lettering, and
illumination or reflectorization.
Only permanent-type uniform traffic signs
approved by the Department of Transportation
(CVC 21400-01) shall be used on public
highways, and shall conform to State "Traffic
Sign Specifications" (published by Caltrans) for
size, character dimensions and letter stroke
width.
All shapes and colors shall be as indicated, all
symbols shall be unmistakably similar to those
shown and, where a word message is applicable,
the wording shall be as provided herein.
Sometimes a change from word message to
symbol requires a significant time period for
public education and transition. For this
purpose, educational plaques are provided for
use beneath new symbol signs.
All symbol signs which are readily
recognizable by the public may be erected
without educational plaques. New warning or
regulatory symbol signs not readily recognizable
by the public shall be accompanied by an
educational plaque which is to remain in place
for at least three years after initial installation.
No special effort need be made to remove
educational plaques as long as they are in
serviceable condition.
Illustrations which accompany the text show
the specifications for individual sign size, color,
and legend. (See Section 10-03.8 "Policy for
School Signs").
10-03.2 Dimensions of Signs
The sign dimensions prescribed in this chapter
shall be standard for application on public
highways. An increase above these standard
sizes is desirable where greater legibility or
emphasis is needed.
10-03.3 lllumlnatlon and Reflectorlzatlon of
Signs
Signs used for school area traffic control shall
be reflectorized or illuminated when regularly
scheduled classes begin or end during hours of
darkness, and should be reflectorized or
illuminated when there is a considerable use of
school buildings by children during hours of
darkness.
'
Traffic Manual SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY 10-5
------------------------------------8-1993
10-03.4 Position of Signs
Signs should be placed in positions where they
will convey their messages most effectively
without restricting lateral clearance or sight
distances. Placement therefore should be
accommodated to hi ghway design, alignment, and
roadside development. Signs should have a
maximum practical lateral clearance from the
edge of the traveled way for safety of vehicles
that may leave the roadway and strike the sign
supports.
Normally in rural locations signs should not be
closer than 6 feet from the edge of a paved
shoulder, or if there is no shoulder, 12 feet from
the edge of the traveled way.
In urban locations, if the lateral clearances
indicated in the preceding paragraph are not
. practicable, a lesser clearance may be used (not
less than 2 feet from the face of a curb). Where
sidewalk width is limited or existing poles are
close to the curb, a clearance of 1 foot from the
curb face is permissible (see Figure 10-1).
Portable school signs (except hand-held units
for adult crossing guards, school safety patrols,
and school bus drivers) shall not be placed within
the roadway at any time.
Typical school area signing, both standard and
optional, is illustrated on Figures 10-3 through
10-6.
10-03.5 Height of Signs
Signs erected at the side of the road in rural
districts shall be mounted at a height of at least 5
feet, measured from the bottom of the sign to the
level of the roadway edge. In business,
commercial and residential districts where
parking or pedestrian movement is likely occur or
where there are other obstructions to view, the
clearance to the bottom of the sign shall be at
least 7 feet (see Figure 10-1).
10-03.6 Erection of Signs
Normally signs should be mounted
approximately at right angles to the direction of,
and facing, the traffic that they are intended to
serve.
Where mirror reflection from the sign face is
encountered in such degree as to reduce
legibility, the sign should be turned slightly away
from the road. When signs are off set 30 feet or
more from the pavement edge, signs should
generally be turned toward the road. At curved
alignments, the angle of placement should be
determined by the course of approaching traffic
rather than by the roadway edge at the point
where the sign is located. Sign faces normally
are vertical, but on grades it may be desirable to
tilt a sign forward or back from the vertical to
improve the viewing angle.
10-03.7 Parking and Stopping Signs
Parking signs and other signs governing the
stopping and standing of vehicles in school areas
cover a very wide variety of regulations and only
general specifications can be laid down here.
The following types of signs may be
applicable:
1. Time Limit Parking of two hours or less
on school days.
2. Parking prohibition during specified times
or days along school frontage or school
approaches for adequate visibility of
walkways, gates, entrances, crossings and
unfenced grounds; or for adequate
passenger, bus and commercial loading; or
for unrestricted walkway access on a
school approach.
a. "No Stopping", "No Parking" or "No
Stopping -Buses Excepted" during
specified times or days.
b. Temporary parking prohibitions or
restrictions for special events to
minimize congestion and delay during
periods of extra heavy traffic demand.
The legend on parking signs shall state
whatever regulations apply, but the signs shall
conform to the standards of shape, color, position
and use. Generally, parking signs should display
such of the following information as is
10-6 SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY Traffic Manual
8-1993 ------------------------------------
appropriate, from top to bottom of the sign, in the
order listed:
1. Restriction or prohibition.
2. Time of day it is applicable, if not at all
hours.
3. Days of week applicable, if not every day.
In addition, there should be a single-headed
arrow pointing in the direction the regulation is
in effect (if the sign is at the end of a zone) or a
double-headed arrow pointing both ways (if the
sign is at an intermediate point in the zone). As
an alternate to the arrow (if the signs are posted
facing traffic at an angle of 90 degrees to the
curb line) there may be included on the sign, or
on a separate plate below the sign, such legend as
BEGIN, END, HERE TO CORNER, HERE TO
ALLEY, THIS SIDE OF SIGN, or BE1WEEN
SIGNS.
Where parking is prohibited at all times or at
specified times, parking signs shall have red
letters and border on a white background
(Parking · Prohibition signs); and where only
limited-time parking is permitted, or where
parking is permitted only in a particular manner,
the signs shall have green letters and border on a
white background (Parking Restriction signs).
For emphasis, the word NO or the numeral
showing the time limit in hours or minutes may
be in a reversed color arrangement in the upper
left hand corner of the sign, i.e., in white on a
rectangular areas of red or green.
The No Parking symbol (R26D) may be used
as an alternative to the words NO PARKING on
signs such as R26, R26A and R28 . When the
symbol sign is used for urban applications, it
shall have a minimum size of 12 inches x 12
inches.
Parking signs shall have a standard size of 12
inches by 18 inches. If arrows are used to
indicate the extent of the restricted zone, the
signs should be set at an angle of not less than 30
degrees nor more than 45 degrees with the line of
traffic flow to be visible to approaching traffic. If
word legends on a separate panel are used to
indicate the extent of the restricted zone, the
signs should be posted facing traffic at an angle
of 90 degrees to the curb line.
Street Closures are authorized (CVC 21102)
by local ordinance or resolution on streets
crossing or dividing school grounds when
necessary for the protection of persons attending
school.
(
Traffic Manual SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY 10-7
------------------------------------8-1993
10-03.8 Policy for School Area Signs
STANDARD School Zone Signing defines the beginning of the school zone on all streets contiguous to
schools serving students In Kindergarten through 12th grades. It should usually be posted at the school
boundary, but may be posted up to 500 feet In advance, depending on prevailing approach speeds and
vlslblllty. However, school zone signing Is not required If there are no school pedestrians using the
highway and the school grounds are separated from the highway by a fence, gate or other physical
barrier (CVC 22352).
[ SCHOOL]
Installation A
[ SCHOOL))
SPEED
LIMIT
25
WHEN
CHILDREN
ARE PRESENT
Installation C
W63
Standard 36" x 36"
W65
Standard 36" x 12"
W65
Standard 36" x 12"
R2
Standard 36" x 45"
R72
Standard 36" x 18"
POLICY
The Advance School symbol sign (W63) may be
used in advance of remote school crosswalks
outside of the school zone. It shall be used In
advance of any Installation B School Crossing sign
(see Page 10-8), unless Installation A or C Is already
posted.
The SCHOOL plate (W65) shall not be used alone.
On streets with prlma facle 25 mph speed limit that
are contiguous to a school building or school
grounds, it Is combined with the W63 to form
Installation A, used to inform drivers that are
entering a school zone.
On streets with higher speed limits, the W65 Is
combined with R2(25) and R72 to form Installation C,
used to Inform drivers they are entering a school
zone with a 25 mph speed limit at certain times.
Installation C may be used in lieu of Installation A.
Note: Installations A or C sign assemblies may be
fabricated as a single unit (SW24 and SR4
respectively).
10-8 SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY Traffic Manual
8-1993 ---------------------------------
END
SCHOOL
ZONE
SCHOOL
XING
Installation B
Installation D
School Area Signs -Continued
W65-1
Standard 36" x 30"
W66
Standard 36" x 36"
W66A
Standard 24" x 18"
W64
Standard 30" x 30"
POLICY
The end of an authorized and posted school speed
zone shall be marked with a standard Speed Limit
sign (R2) showing the speed llmlt for the section of
highway which follows or with an END SCHOOL
ZONE sign (W65-1).
The School Crossing sign (W66) Is combined with
the SCHOOL XING plate (W66A) to fonn an
Installation B, which may be used at school
crosswalks on the "Suggested Route to School". It
shall not be used where the crossing Is controlled
by a yield sign, stop sign or traffic signal.
The W66 and W66A should usually be posted at
the crosswalk but may be posted up to 50 feet In
advance.
The Advance School symbol sign (W63) shall be
used In . advance of any Installation B, unless
Installation A or C Is already posted.
Note: Installation B sign assembly may be
fabricated as a single unit (SW25).
The SCHOOL BUS STOP ___ FT sign (W64)
shall be used to give advance notice of approved
school bus stops where clear sight distance Is less
than 200 feet (see CVC22504). The distance shown
on the sign may be adjusted to flt conditions.
(
Traffic Manual SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY 10-9
---------------------------------8-1993
School Area Signs -Continued
SR31
Standard 18" Dia.
C28A
Standard 18" x 18"
POLICY
The STOP-SCHOOL-CROSSING sign (on pole)
(SR31) may be used by School Safety Patrols while
assisting school pedestrians across the street.
The STOP paddle (C28A) may be used by adult
crossing guards or school bus drivers, however, it
shall display STOP (C28A) on both sides.
10-10 SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY Traffic Manual
8-1993 ------------------------------------
Markings 10-04
10-04.1 Functions and Limitations of Markings
Markings have definite and important
functions to perform in a proper scheme of
school area traffic control. In some cases they
are used to supplement the regulations or
warnings of other devices such as traffic signs. In
other instances they obtain results, solely on their
own merits, that cannot be obtained by the use of
any other device. In such cases they serve as a
very effective means of conveying certain
regulations and warnings that could not other
wise be made clearly understandable.
Pavement markings have definite limitations.
They are obliterated by snow, may not be clearly
visible when wet, and may not be very durable
when subjected to heavy traffic. In spite of these
limitations, they have the advantage, under
favorable conditions, of conveying warnings or
information to the driver without diverting his
attention from the roadway.
10-04.2 Unlfonnlty
Each standard school area marking shall be
used only to convey the meaning prescribed for it
in this chapter.
10-04.3 Crosswalk Lines
In accordance with the provisions of CVC
21368:
"Whenever a marked pedestrian crosswalk has
been established in a roadway contiguous to a
school building or the grounds thereof, it shall be
painted or marked in yellow as shall be all the
marked pedestrian crosswalks at an intersection
in case any one of the crosswalks is required to
be marked in yellow. Other established marked
pedestrian crosswalks may be painted or marked
in yellow if either ( a) the nearest point of the
crosswalk is not more than 600 feet from a
school building or the grounds thereof, or (b) the
nearest point of the crosswalk is not more than
2,800 feet from a school building or the grounds
thereof, there are no intervening crosswalks
other than those contiguous to the school
grounds, and it appears that the facts and
circumstances require special painting or
marking of the crosswalks for the protection and
safety of persons attending the school".
Crosswalk lines are normally solid lines
marking both edges of the crosswalk. They shall
not be less than 12 inches in width and should
not be spaced less than 6 feet apart. Under
special circumstances (where no advance limit
line is provided or where vehicular speeds
exceed 35 mph or where crosswalks are
unexpected) it may be desirable to increase the
width of the crosswalk line up to 24 inches in
width. Crosswalk lines on both sides of the
crosswalk should extend across the full width of
pavement to discourage diagonal walking
between crosswalks.
Crosswalks should be marked at all
intersections on the "Suggested Route to School"
where there is substantial conflict between
vehicles and students (while crossing), where
students are permitted to cross between
intersections, or where students could not
otherwise recognize the proper place to cross.
For added emphasis, the area of the crosswalk
may be marked with diagonal lines at a 45
degree angle or with longitudinal lines at a 90
degree angle to the line of the crosswalk. These
lines should be approximately 12 inches to 24
inches wide and spaced 12 inches to 24 inches
apart. When diagonal or longitudinal lines are
used to mark a crosswalk, the transverse
crosswalk lines may be omitted. Care should be
taken to ensure that crosswalks with diagonal or
longitudinal lines used at some locations do not
weaken or detract from other crosswalks where
special emphasis markings are not used.
10-04.4 Limit Lines (Stop Lines)
Limit lines are solid white lines (CVC 377),
normally 12 to 24 inches wide, extending across
all approach lanes, and (under both urban and
rural conditions) indicate the point at which
vehicles are required to stop .in compliance with
a stop sign, traffic signal, officer's direction, or
other legal requirement. When used, the limit
'
Traffic Manual SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY 10-11
-----------------------------------8-1993
line should ordinarily be placed 4 feet in advance
of and parallel to the nearest crosswalk line, but
may be farther in advance where School Safety
Patrols or Adult Crossing Guards are operating.
10-04.5 Curb Markings for Parking Restrictions
The color of curb markings shall conform to
CVC 21458, quoted below:
21458. (a)Whenever local authorities enact
local parking regulations and indicate them by
the use of paint upon curbs, the following colors
only shall be used, and the colors indicate as
follows :
(1) Red indicates no stopping, standing, or
parking, whether the vehicle is attended or
unattended, except that a bus may stop in a
red zone marked or sign posted as a bus
loading zone.
(2) Y el/ow indicates stopping only for the
purpose of loading or unloading passengers
or freight for the time as may be specified
by local ordinance.
(3) White indicates stopping for either of the
following purposes:
( A) Loading or unloading of passengers for
the time specified by local ordinance.
( B) Depositing mail in an adjacent mail
box.
(4) Green indicates time limit parking specified
by local ordinance.
(5) Blue indicates parking limited exclusively to
the vehicles of disabled persons and
disabled veterans.
Regulations indicated as above provided shall
be effective upon such days and during such
hours or times as may be prescribed by local
ordinances.
Curb markings may supplement standard
signs. When signs are not used, intended
meaning should be stenciled on the curb.
Signs shall always be used with curb markings
in those areas where curb markings are
frequently obliterated by accumulations of snow
and ice.
10-04.6 Word and Symbol Markings
SLOW SCHOOL XING legends shall be used
in accordance with the provisions of CVC 21368
in advance of all yellow school crosswalks. They
shall not be used where the crossing is controlled
by stop signs, traffic signals, or yield signs. They
shall be yellow, with the word XING at least 100
feet in advance of the school crosswalk.
SCHOOL XING legends and crosswalks may
be used at remote locations outside of the school
zone, and shall be white (CVC 21368).
SCHOOL legends may be used with sign
Installations A or C, except at locations where
SLOW SCHOOL XING legends are required.
When used, they shall be yellow, and should be
located adjacent to the sign.
Letters, symbols and numerals should be 8 feet
or more in height; and, if the message consists of
more than one word, it should read "up" i.e., the
first word should be nearest to the driver.
Where approach speeds are low, somewhat
smaller characters may be used. The space
between lines should be at least four times the
height of the characters for low speed roads but
not more than ten times the height of the
characters under any conditions.
Pavement messages should preferably be no
more than one lane in width except SCHOOL
messages may extend to the width of two lanes.
When a two-lane width is used the characters
should be 10 feet or more in height.
10-12 SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY Traffic Manual
8-1993 ------------------------------------
Flashing Yellow Beacons 10-05
10-05.1 Function of Flashing Yellow Beacons
. Flashing yellow beacons may be installed to
supplement standard school signing and mark-
ings for the purpose of providing advance
warning during specified times of operation
when school crossing problems exist (See Figure
10-6).
If school authorities are to operate the flashing
yellow beacon, an inter-agency agreement should
be executed to assure designation of a
responsible adult to operate the beacon controls,
to provide accessibility for necessary equipment
maintenance and to fulfill legal liability
requirements.
10-05.2 : Warrants for Flashing Yellow Beacons
A flashing yellow beacon may be warranted
when all of the following conditions are fulfilled:
1. The uncontrolled school crossing is on the
"Suggested Route to School"; and
2. At least 40 school pedestrians use the
crossing during each of any two hours (not
necessarily consecutive) of a normal
school day; and
3 The crossing is at least 600 feet from the
nearest alternate crossing controlled by
traffic signals, stop signs or crossing
guards; and
4. The vehicular volume through the
crossing exceeds 200 vehicles per hour in
urban areas or 140 vehicles per hour in
rural areas during the same hours the
students are going to and from school for
any purpose; and
5. The critical approach speed (85 percentile)
exceeds 35 mph or the approach visibility
is less than the stopping sight distance.
School Crossing Traffic Signals 10-06
10-06.1 Function of School Crossing Traffic
Signals
A traffic signal can effectively assign
intersection right-of-way and promote the safe,
orderly movement of both pedestrians and
vehicles. Contrary to popular belief, however,
signal control does not always increase safety
and reduce delay. Unwarranted, ill-advised
signal controls lead to intentional violation,
increased hazard, unnecessary delay and traffic
diversion to less desirable alternate routes.
10-06.2 Warrants for School Crossing Traffic
Signals
When it is necessary to extend or create
adequate crossi11g gaps in the flow of traffic on
the "Sqggested Route to School" and no other
controlled crossing is located within 600 feet,
School Crossing Traffic Signals should be
considered when meeting the warrants noted in
Chapter 9 of the State Traffic Manual and when
either of the following conditions is fulfilled:
1. Urban Areas -500 vehicles and 100
school pedestrians for each of any two
hours (not necessarily consecutive) daily
while students are crossing to or from
school; or
500 vehicles for each of any two hours
daily while students are crossing to or
from school and a total of 500 school
pedestrians during the entire day.
2. Rural Areas (Use 70 percent of the
volumes noted under Urban Areas) -350
vehicles and 70 school pedestrians for
each of any two hours (not necessarily
consecutive) daily while students are
crossing to or from school; or
(
Traffic Manual SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY 10-13
------------------------------------8-1993
350 vehicles for each of any two hours
(not necessarily consecutive) daily while
students are crossing to or from school and
minimum total of 350 school pedestrians
during the entire day.
When critical (85 percentile) approach speed
exceeds 40 mph or the approach visibility is less
than the required stopping sight distance, rural
warrants should be applied.
The design of, and warrants for, School
Crossing Traffic Signals shall conform to
Chapter 9 of the State Traffic Manual and
include the following considerations:
1. The signals shall be designed for full-time
operation.
2. Pedestrian signal faces of the International
Symbol type shall be installed at all
marked crosswalks at signalized
intersections along the "Suggested Route
to School."
3. Non-Intersection school pedestrian
crosswalk locations may be signalized
when justified by unusual circumstances,
such as restricted visibility.
4. If an intersection is signalized under this
guideline for school pedestrians, the entire
intersection shall be signalized.
5. School Area Traffic Signals shall be traffic
actuated type with push buttons or other
detectors for pedestrians.
Crossing Supervision 10-07
10-07.1 Types of Crossing Supervision
There are two types of school crossing
supervision:
1. Adult control of pedestrians and vehicles
with Adult Crossing Guards or police
officers.
2. Student control of only pedestrians with
School Safety Patrol.
Recommended practices for the organization,
operation and administration of Adult Crossing
Guards and Student Safety patrols are given in
"SCHOOL CROSS ING GUARD PROGRAMS"
and "SCHOOL SAFETY PATROL PROGRAM"
booklets.* Also, see Sections 10-07 .10, 11
herein.
10-07.2 Adult Crossing Guards
Adult Crossing Guards are a supplemental
technique and not a traffic control device. They
may be assigned at designated school crossings
to assist elementary school pedestrians at
.specified hours when going to or from school.
(*) Available from the Automobile Club of Southern California
and the California State Automobile Association (AAA).
The following suggested policy for their
assignment applies only to crossings serving
elementary school pedestrians on the "Suggested
Route to School".
An Adult Crossing Guard should be
considered when:
1. Special problems exist which make it
necessary to assist elementary school
pedestrians in crossing the street, such as
at an unusually complicated intersection
with frequent turning movements and high
vehicular speeds; or
2. A change in the school crossing location is
imminent but prevailing conditions require
school crossing supervision for a limited
time and it is infeasible to install another
form of control for a temporary period.
10-07.3 Warrants for Adult Crossing Guards
Adult Crossing Guards normally are assigned
where official supervision of elementary school
pedestrians is desirable while they cross a public
highway on the "Suggested Route to School",
and at least 40 elementary school pedestrians for
10-14 SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY Traffic Manual
8-1993 ------------------------------------
each of any two hours (not necessarily
consecutive) daily use the crossing while going
to or from school. Adult crossing guards may be
used under the following conditions:
1. At uncontrolled crossings where there is no
alternate controlled crossing within 600
feet; and
a. In urban areas where the vehicular
traffic volume exceeds 350 during each
of any two hours (not necessarily
consecutive) in which 40 or more school
pedestrians cross daily while going to or
from school; or
b. In rural areas where the vehicular traffic
volume exceeds 300 during each of any
two hours (not necessarily consecutive)
in which 30 or more school pedestrians
cross daily while going to or from
school.
Whenever the critical (85 percentile)
approach speed exceeds 40 mph, the
guidelines for rural areas should be
applied.
2. At stop sign-controlled crossing:
Where the vehicular traffic volumes on
undivided highways of four or more
lanes exceeds 500 per hour during any
period when the school pedestrians are
going to or from school.
3. At traffic signal-controlled crossings:
a. Where the number of vehicular turning
movements through the school
crosswalk exceeds 300 per hour while
school pedestrians are going to or from
school; or
b. Where there are circumstances not
normally present at a signalized
intersection, such as crosswalks more
than 80 feet long with no intermediate
refuge, or an abnormally high
proportion of large commercial vehicles.
10-07.4 Legal Authority and Program Funding
for Adult Crossing Guards
Cities and counties may designate local law
enforcement agencies, the governing board of
any school district or a county superintendent of
schools to recruit and assign adult crossing
guards to intersections that meet approved
guidelines for adult supervision.
There are various methods for funding a
school adult crossing guard program. One of
these methods is through the use of fines and
forfeitures received under Section 1463 of the
Penal code. Disposition of these fines and
forfeitures is defined in Sections 42200 and
42201 of the California Vehicle Code. An
example of these dispositions by cities and
counties is as follows:
Disposition by cities (CVC 42200). Fines
and forfeitures received by cities and
deposited into a "Traffic Safety Fund" may
be used to pay the compensation of school
crossing guards who are not regular full-time
members of the police department of the city.
Disposition by county (CVC 42201). Fines
and forfeitures received by a county and
deposited in the road fund of the county may
be used to pay the compensation of school
crossing guards, and necessary equipment
and administrative costs. The board of
supervisors may adopt standards for crossing
guards and has final authority over the total
cost of the crossing guard program.
Another avenue of funding school adult
crossing guard programs is through the use of the
"Crossing Guard Maintenance District Act of
1974." This act defines how a local agency may
form districts within which property and
improvements may be assessed to pay the costs
and expenses of providing school crossing
guards. (Chapter 3.5, Sections 55530-70 of Part
2, Division 2, Title 5 of the Government Code).
(
Traffic Manual SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY 10-15
------------------------------------8-1993
10-07.5 Choice of AduH Crossing Guards
High standards for selection of adult crossing
guards are essenti al. They must understand
children and in addition should possess the
following qualifications:
1. Average intelligence.
2. Good physical condition, including sight
and hearing.
3. Mental alertness.
4. Neat appearance.
5. Good character.
6. Dependable.
7. Sense of responsibility for safety of
children.
8. Good verbal communication.
Undoubtedly, the most important quality a
crossing guard should possess, however, is the
ability to gain the respect of the children so that
they respond to direc tion.
10-07.6 Uniform of AduH Crossing Guards
Adult crossing guards should be uniformed so
that motorists and pedestrians can recognize
them and respond to their signals. It is
recommended that their uniforms be distinctively
different from those worn by regular police
officers.
During periods of twilight or . darkness, adult
crossing guards should wear either reflectorized
material or reflectorized clothing.
10-07.7 Training Programs for Adult Crossing
Guards
Adequate training should be provided in adult
crossing guard responsibilities and authority.
Experience indicates that this function can
usually be performed effectively by a law
enforcement agency responsible for traffic
control.
Training programs should be designed to
acquaint newly employed crossing guards with
their specific duties, local traffic regulations, and
crossing techniques. Training workshops should
also be used as a method of advising experienced
employees of recent changes in existing traffic
laws and program procedures. For example,
crossing guards should be familiar with the
California law, which provides that any person
who disregards any traffic signals or direction
given by a non-student school crossing guard
authorized by a law enforcement agency, any
board of supervisors of a county or school
district shall be guilty of an infraction and
subject to the penalties of Section 42001 of the
California Vehicle Code. (CVC Section 2815)
Primarily, adult crossing guards should be
instructed to provide appropriate safety
instruction for children crossing, watch traffic
flow, wait for an appropriate gap between
vehicles and lead groups of school children
promptly across a street. Under no
circumstances should a crossing guard permit a
child to cross the road alone. Even when there is
no traffic on the road, a crossing guard should be
alert to unexpected emergencies and should
accompany children across the street to the curb.
10-07.8 Operating Procedures for AduH Cross-
Ing Guards
Adult crossing guards should not direct traffic
in the usual police regulatory sense. In the
control of traffic, they should pick opportune
times to create a safe gap. At these times, their
presence in the roadway serves as an easily
recognized indication that pedestrians are about
to use the crosswalk, and that all traffic must
stop. Adult crossing guards may use a "STOP"
paddle (C28A), similar to the one show in
Section 10-03.8, except that the paddle shall
have "STOP" on both sides and that it shall be
reflectorized when used during hours of
darkness. When all traffic has stopped, the
adult guard allows the children to cross.
10-16 SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY Traffic Manual
8-1993 ------------------------------------
10-07 .9 School Safety Patrols
School Safety Patrols have a definite role in
aiding school pedestrians at crossings near
elementary schools. This measure is a
supplemental technique rather than a traffic
control device as defined in Section 440 of the
California Vehicle Code.
School Safety Patrols may be used to direct
and control children at crossings near schools
where there is no need to create adequate gaps in
traffic.
School Safety Patrols may be used to direct
and control children at signalized intersections
where turning movements are not a problem, and
to assist adult crossing guards in the control of
children at crossing locations used by large
numbers of children.
School Safety Patrols shall not be responsible
for directing vehicular traffic. They do not
function as police.
10-07.10 Warrants for School Safety Patrols
A School Safety Patrol may be established at
locations where an existing traffic control device,
police officer or adult crossing guard is in
operation, or where there are adequate crossing
gaps in vehicular flow at an uncontrolled
crossing, and it is desirable to use School Safety
Patrols to guide the school pedestrians. School
Safety Patrols should be established only by
agreement between the governing board of the
school district and local traffic law enforcement
agencies.
A School Safety Patrol should be considered
when all of the following conditions are fulfilled:
1. Twenty or more school pedestrians
crossing in each of any two hours (not
necessarily consecutive) daily enroute to
or from school; and
2. Critical (85 percentile) approach speed
does not exceed 35 mph; and
3. No more than two traveled lanes in each
direction; and
4. At least one "adequate crossing gap" in
traffic per minute during an average
5-minute period during the peak school
pedestrian hour.
An "adequate crossing gap" is defined as the
number of seconds required for a student to
observe the traffic situation while in a safe
location at one side of a roadway and then to
cross the roadway to a point of safety on the
opposite side. The actual walking time to cross
(roadway width in feet divided by 3.5 feet per
second) must be added to the perception and
reaction time (usually 3 seconds) and a clearance
interval of 2 seconds between rows of
pedestrians in the platoon/group.
Ga= (W+3 .5)+3+2(N-l)
Where: "W" is the roadway width in feet;
"N" is the number of rows of
pedestrians in a platoon/group;
A School Safety Patrol shall not be assigned
where inadequate stopping sight distance
prevails.
10-01.11 Legal Authority for School Safety
Patrols
School Safety Patrols should be authorized by
the local school board. School authorities should
be responsible for organizing, instructing and
supervising patrols with the assistance of the
local police.
The California Education Code [Chapter 8,
Article 1, Sections 49300 to 49307 (1977)] and
the California Administrative Code [Title 5,
Article 3, Sections 570 to 576 (1978) and 632]
authorize the development of School Safety
Patrols and outline rules for implementing these
programs within the state.
10-07 .12 Choice of School Safety Patrols
School Safety Patrols should be carefully
selected. They should be children from the 5th
grade or higher. Leadership and reliability
should be determining qualities for patrol
membership.
Parental approval should be obtained in
writing before a child serves as a member of a
school safety patrol.
'
Traffic Manual SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY 10-17
------------------------------------8-1993
10-07.13 Operating Procedures for School Safety
Patrols
School Safety Patrols control children, not
vehicles. They should stop children back of the
curb or edge of the roadway and allow them to
cross only when there is an adequate gap in
traffic (see CAC Sections noted above in
10-07.11 , for School Safety Patrols operating
procedures and requirements).
10-07.14 Uniform of School Safety Patrols
The use of the School Safety Patrol uniforms
and insignia shall adhere to the following
regulations (CAC 576):
1. A School Safety Patrol member (except a
member of the ROTC or California Cadet
Corps on traffic duty in his official
uniform) shall wear, at all times while on
duty, the basic standard uniform specified
in this section, except that the rainy day
uniform may be worn when weather
conditions require it. Only the optional
additions described in this section may be
added to the uniform.
2. The basic standard uniform for patrol
members is the white or fluorescent orange
Sam Browne belt and either a federal
yellow or fl uorescent orange cap or yellow
or fluorescent orange helmet.
Optional additions to the basic standard
uniform are any or all of the following:
a. Colored piping on the cap.
b. Colored striping on the yellow helmet.
c. A red or fluorescent orange upper
garment.
d. Insignia or a special badge identifying
the organization to be worn over the left
breast, left arm, or on the cap.
e. Either reflectorized material or clothing
for period of twilight or darkness.
3. The rainy-day uniform is a federal yellow
raincoat and a federal yellow rain hat. The
Sam Browne belt may be worn over the
raincoat.
4. The insignia or special badge and cap shall
be worn only during official School Safety
Patrol duty, except that the local governing
board may authorize its members to wear
the uniform and insignia for special school
and/or patrol functions.
10-18 SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY Traffic Manual
8-1993 -------------------------------------
Grade Separation Crossings 10-08
10-08.1 Function of Grade Separation Crossings
Grade separation crossings may be used to
physically separate the crossing of a very heavy
volume of school pedestrian traffic and a heavy
vehicular flow. They eliminate vehicular-
pedestrian conflicts but are necessarily limited to
selected locations where the safety benefits
clearly balance the public investment. Separation
crossings are supplemental techniques for
providing school pedestrian safety and are not
traffic control devices.
10-08.2 Types of Grade Separation Crossings
Grade separation crossings may be either over-
crossingS: or undercrossings. Experience has
shown that for pedestrian crossings, overcross-
ings are more satisfactory than undercrossings, as
oyercrossings are easier to maintain and super-
vise.
10-08.3 Criteria for Use of Grade Separation
Crossings
Grade separation crossings should be
considered only when the physical characteristics
of the location make such a structure feasible. If
use of the grade separation will be less
convenient than an at-grade crossing, barriers or
supervision will be needed to assure a
satisfactory level of use.
Grade separation crossings should be
considered where the following conditions are
fulfilled :
1. The prevailing conditions that require a
school pedestrian crossing must be
sufficiently permanent to justify the
separation crossing structure; and
2. The location must be on the "Suggested
Route to School" at an uncontrolled
intersection or mid-block location along
an expressway or major arterial street
where the width, traffic speed and volume
make it undesirable for pedestrians to
cross; and
3. Revision of the "Suggested Route to
School" or the attendance boundaries to
eliminate the conflict is infeasible; and
4. Physical conditions make a separation
crossing structure feasible from an engi-
neering standpoint, including pedestrian
channelization to ensure usage of the
structure; and
5. Adjacent controlled school pedestrian
crossings are more than 600 feet from the
proposed structure and would require total
out-of-direction walking distance of at
least 1200 feet; and
6. Bus transportation, traffic signals, adult
crossing guards or other means of
resolving the school pedestrian-vehicular
conflicts are impractical.
(
Traffic Manual SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY 10-19
------------------------------------8-1993
Pedestrian Walkways 10-09
10-09.1 Function of Pedestrian Walkways
School pedestrian safety problems are not
limited to crossing locations and may occur
where physical conditions require students to
walk in or along rural or suburban roadways.
Where students walk on the roadway, a
shoulder width of six feet is desirable along both
sides so that they may walk facing oncoming
traffic. Where a pedestrian walkway is provided,
and is at least four feet wide and physically
separated from the traveled way, it may be
limited to one side of the roadway.
This measure is a supplemental technique, not
a traffic control device.
10-09.2 Criteria for Use of Pedestrian Walkways
A Pedestrian Walkway should be considered
when all of the following conditions are fulfilled:
1. The highway lies on the "Suggested Route
to School"; and
2. Existing road shoulders outside the
traveled way are less than five to six feet
wide; and
3. More than 20 school pedestrians use the
route while walking to or from school and
vehicular traffic exceeds 100 per hour
during those periods of the day; and
4. The governing board of the school district
officially requests the pedestrian walkway
improvements; and
5. Revision of the "Suggested Route to
School" or the attendance boundaries to
eliminate the condition is impractical.
10-20 SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY Traffic Manual
8-1993 -----------------------------------
Figure 10-1
Height And Lateral Position For Signs
Rural Locations
6'-12'*
l
SCHOOL
Urban Locations r
7'Mln.
NOTES:
[ SCHOOL]
SPEED
LIMIT
25
WHEN
CHILDREN
ARE PRESENT
l
5'Mln.
l
r
7'Mln.
(*) When clear roadside recovery areas are provided, signs shall be placed as far from the edge
of traveled way as possible, up to a maximum of 30 feet. When possible they shall be placed
in protected locations.
(**) In urban areas, where sidewalk width is limited or existing poles are close to the curb, a
clearance of 1 foot from the curb face is permissible.
Traffic Manual SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY 10-21
--------------------------------8-1993
Figure 10-2
Typical School Route Plan
ci 69th
WAY Cl
ST.
WAY
I a: ~"""------,
t-ST.
,~i;::s_ __
LEGEND
SUGGESTED
SCHOOL ROUTE
@ TRAFFIC SIGNAL
® CROSSING
GUARD
@) SIGNAL AND
CROSSING GUARD
See Secti on 10-02.3 "School Responsibility" for information regarding the
developement of a suggested route to school plan.
SPEED
LIMIT
35
R2
◄
NOTES:
r-·-·-·-·-·-·-· .
I .
I SCHOOL .
I .
I
~W66
~ W66A
Installation B
R1
B ◄ a----t
.a. R1
I)
..&. A
I SCHOOL I W65
SPEED
LIMIT R2
25
~R12 ·
Installation C
~W63
~W65
Installation A
C
◄
►
R2
SPEED
LIMIT
35
1. Installation C is to be located on highways contiguous to schools, not to exceed 500 feet in advance of the school grounds.
2. Installation B is optional.
3. The "END SCHOOL ZONE" sign (W65-1) may be used in lieu of the R2(35) sign.
4. Yellow "SLOW SCHOOL XING" pavement marking shall be used in the lane(s) leading to all yellow crosswalks, except in
advance of crosswalks at intersections controlled by "STOP" signs (R-1), traffic signals, or "YIELD" signs (R1-2) (CVC 21368).
See Section 10-04.6.
5. See Section 10-03.8 for sign policies.
c,g>
""II :::r
(D 0 ao
(D -en ""II r-0 -fO :c :::r 0 0 Q) Q) 0 :::q;; r
I\) 0. )>
U1-:a
3: ::, "T1 m
):> -· )> "'C ::, (C "tJ :::r C
0 ):> ""II m
""II (D 0
::, (D ..... m
--40> 0 en ~ :::r =E w :a
(D -· )> -tS-z
~):> en o en )>
c"'C .,,
(C (1) m ~ :::r(D -< (/)0.
::; r-
(D -· <D3 --· -
~ D) -= 0
~ D) ::,
C D)
~W66
A-r
C!bW63 I ~ W66A
ISCHOOLI W65
-R1 ~I
Installation A Installation e
I ...
B◄
~ ~
c:-... ~ -=-~
►
A Bl :: 1..a.
~~~
NOTES:
R1 SCHOOL
. -·--·--·--·-·--·-·-
.&.A
=::. ~ ~
1. Installation C may be used in lieu of Installation A within the school zone.
2. Installation B is optional.
3. The W63 signs with pavement markings at remote locations, are optional.
4. Remote crosswalks and pavement markings shall be white.
-
W63 I
...
-00~
00 II
A
◄
C!b
W63
◄R1 ◄
-=a.... B.:
II
5. Yellow "SLOW SCHOOL XING" pavement marking shall be used in the lane(s) leading to all yellow crosswalks, except
in advance of crosswalks at intersections controlled by "STOP" signs (R-1 ), traffic signals, or "YIELD" signs (R1-2)
(CVC 21368). See Section 10-04.6.
6. See Section 10-03.8 for sign policies.
0 -.
:c (1)
U) -· (/) C.n
(1) ~ 3.o -·o Q>--)>' -. 0
CD n
m a"T1
=E (1) -· a.cc ;::::._c: ~ :::s -. (1) 3: I\)..&.
a, Ole
:::J 3: I '<"'C ~ (/)~
n CD ~ C: 0 U)
0 -· -:::s C') (1) -. U) 0 U) U)
U) -· :::s cc U)
-t ~ m = n·
== m
::::,
C m I -
en 0 :I:
0 0 r
)>
::0 m )>
"tJ m C m
en -t
::0 -)> z
en )>
'Tl m -t
-<
.. 'i"o
-I .., "' ~(,J
10-24 SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY Traffic Manual
8-1993 --------------------------------
Figure 10-5
School Adjacent To Highway At Mid-block Location
Where Flashing Yellow Beacons Are Warranted
(SCHOOl.l W65
SPEED :-·----------------, I •
LIMIT
25 R2
SPEED
LIMIT
.
I -0t1.C1111• ,.,.,. .... .,, R72
Installation C 45
R2
◄
.
I .
I .
I
~W66
~ W66A
Installation B
NOTES:
SCHOOL
►
8
~ = ~
1. Installation C is to be located on highways contiguous to schools, not to exceed 500 feet in
advance of the school grounds.
2. Installation B is optional.
3. The "END SCHOOL ZONE" sign (W65-1) may be used in lieu of the R2(45) sign.
4. Yellow "SLOW SCHOOL XING" pavement marking shall be used in the lane(s) leading to all
yellow crosswalks, except in advance of crosswalks at intersections controlled by "STOP"
signs (R-1), traffic signals, or "YIELD" signs (R1-2) (CVC21368). See Section 10-04.6
5. See Section 10-03.8 for sign policies.
►
R2
Traffic Manual SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY 10-25
-----------------------------8-1993
93 84522
Figure 10-6
Typical Installations For
Flashing Yellow Beacons And Overhead School Signs
SPEED
SR4 LIMIT R2
(See Note 2) 25
.. ~ R72
POST MOUNTING
NOTES:
(SCHOOL]
SPEED
LIMIT
25
~
Flashing Beacons
W63 W66
SCHOOL ;: Note 1) SCHOOL Xlt«3 W66A
SW24 (See Note 2) SW25 (See Note 2)
MAST ARM MOUNTING
1. The W65 sign is omitted, when the W63 sign is placed outside of the school zone.
2. Optional sign number, when the sign is fabricated as a single unit. See Section 10-03.8.