A "lollipop girl" (more accurately referred to as a "lollipop woman" or simply a "crossing guard") is a woman hired to help children safely cross the road near a school.
Here's a breakdown of what they do and why they are important:
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Primary Role: Ensuring the safe passage of children across roads, especially during school hours. They achieve this by stopping traffic with a hand-held stop sign that resembles a lollipop.
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Duties:
- Observing traffic conditions and selecting safe times for children to cross.
- Stepping into the roadway to create a visible barrier and halt traffic.
- Guiding children across the road, ensuring they do so safely and responsibly.
- Acting as a visible presence to deter speeding or reckless driving near schools.
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Significance: Lollipop women/crossing guards play a crucial role in child safety and traffic management around schools. They reduce the risk of accidents involving children and provide peace of mind to parents and school staff.
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Terminology: While "lollipop girl" is a common term, it's often considered outdated. The more accurate and inclusive term is "lollipop woman" or simply "school crossing guard." This reflects that the role is open to individuals of all genders.
