Make Some Noise

Drivers are inundated with visual stimulation. There are road signs, billboards, maps, store signs, bumper stickers, wavy dudes, sign spinners, phones, etc. It’s A LOT. Since I started as a school crossing assistant, we’ve had a couple close calls. Sometimes a tall cone hat, neon reflective vest, and giant STOP umbrella aren’t enough.

When all else fails, make some noise! I’ve seen whistles advertised as crossing guard tools, but I think being whistled at can be a bit offensive. Standing in a crosswalk isn’t the best situation to upset someone behind a wheel. I picked up a megaphone on FB Marketplace a few weeks ago thinking I’d politely make my voice heard if someone wasn’t looking, but I was thrilled to find the megaphone had a USB port. I looked into its features and discovered it could play music. After much deliberation about what music could be played regularly without upsetting neighbors or drivers, I settled on New Orleans jazz music. Who doesn’t feel the urge to dance in the street when they hear dixieland jazz?

I’ve been crossing in the cone hat and neon vest, while holding the giant STOP umbrella and playing jazz loudly for the last couple weeks and let me tell you… CARS STOP! It’s FANTASTIC!!! I highly recommend adding music to your crosswalk ensemble to get the attention you need.