The $12 Safety Fix for Parking Lots and Crosswalks

I recently took my grandson to school and stayed for an event. As I walked back to my car, I watched the morning routine wind down. Staff were in the parking lot directing traffic, helping students through the crosswalk, and keeping everything moving. They were doing exactly what they were supposed to be doing. Not one of them was wearing a high visibility vest.

It is a small detail, but it matters.

Parking lots, drop off lanes, and crosswalks are some of the most active and unpredictable areas on a school campus. Drivers are often in a hurry, focused on their own child, or distracted. The lighting is not always ideal. Students are small, and their movement can be quick and unexpected.

This is not a rare or unusual risk. It is part of the daily routine.

Every other industry that puts people near moving vehicles has already addressed this. High visibility vests are standard. They help drivers see people sooner and react faster. They make it clear who is directing traffic and supervising movement.

Schools face the same conditions and deserve the same level of protection.

The good news is the fix is simple. A basic high visibility vest costs very little and can make a meaningful difference. For staff working parking lots and crosswalks, it should be as routine as grabbing a radio or a set of keys. Put it where the duty happens so it becomes part of the habit.

This is not about adding another task. It is about supporting the staff who are already doing important work and making sure they are seen while they do it.

Sometimes the most effective safety improvements are also the simplest.