CLEARWATER, Fla. -- John Huckno is the so-called king of Clearwater crossing guards. But even he cannot protect students from themselves. chnology is making his job harder.
John prepared his fellow guards this week for Monday’s big back-to-school day. His job is to teach the guards how to protect children walking to school.
A major issue is the threat posed by smartphones. And it is not just drivers who are distracted by the devices.
According to the National Consumers League, over half of grade school children carry cells phones. John says many of the kids are walking to and from school with their heads down staring at screens.
“It’s becoming a bigger and bigger problem, not only with the drivers but with the students,” says Huckno. “They’re walking down the sidewalk, head down, distracted, same as a driver. We see them walk right into the street.”
Clearwater is hoping to hire more crossing guards to patrol intersections and handle these growing challenges.
They city is also imploring drivers and students with two words: Heads up!
To find out how you can become a school crossing guard in Clearwater, visit: agency.governmentjobs.com/clearwaterfl/default.cfm?action=viewJob&jobID=1740150.