I can’t do anything about speeding: Crossing Guard Juan

He doesn’t feel tired; simultaneously, he never finds any trouble as well in his profession. Rather, he relishes his job to the fullest, as he can ensure the safety of the school kids to reach them safely to the classes and return them home. I was talking about Juan Nunez, the road crossing guard of Pinellas Park Middle School.

According to him, the job of a school crossing guard is really a noble one, as here he is helping out the passer-by alongside the school kids to cross a busy street without any hazard.

However, the lone challenging aspect to him is speeding, which may toll many lives.

Juan’s career as a crossing guard is not too long. In a balmy November of 2025, he commenced the noble venture. ‘I started in November last year. Of course I enjoy my job. You know the typology of my task is to stay outside. Everybody used to wave their hands to me and say hello. They know what I am doing here. They know that I am here to make sure the kids have to cross safely.’

Terming his profession relaxing Juan further added that ‘it’s kind of pretty relaxing, as I don’t do too much labouring.’

When he asked if he finds any challenges in his job, he replied, ‘I don’t think it is challenging as long as people are following the order and rules. You know, when I get out, they [vehicles] stop; that really helps me out. Once the car stops, I can safely make sure that the kids have to cross.’

Speeding in a school zone carries doubled fines, potentially large fines, licence points, and even licence suspension, especially if a crash occurs. When a school bus stops with its lights flashing, all traffic in both directions must stop [unless on a divided highway].

So, mentioning speeding is a massive challenge since it may snatch away numerous lives Juan additionally added that ‘the only thing I see challenging, and I can’t do anything about it, is that people are speeding through the zone. You know as a guard I can’t do anything about it. I just have to make sure that kids are crossing safely.’

‘Sometimes I see police pulling over who is speeding. It is solely their job. I can’t do anything in this connection as I am just a school guard,’ he affirmed.