COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced this October to be its first-ever National Pedestrian Safety Month.
Lillie Hamilton is a Brazos County woman who protects some of our most vulnerable pedestrians.
She says she became a crossing guard after her husband passed away, leaving her with 7 kids to raise. Hamilton knew she wouldn't be able to have a traditional full-time job while raising her kids, so she looked for alternatives.
She says she remembers College Station Police Department saying they needed more crossing guards at the time, so she signed up.
"The Lord has really blessed me with this job," Hamilton said.
Her job is to serve as a crossing guard, employed by College Station Police Department. It's a job shes been faithfully doing for 21 years.
"Life is very precious... the Lord has really blessed me to come out here and take care of these kids and keep them safe. It's not great money, but you can't put a price on life," Hamilton said.
Saving lives and stopping traffic is a duty she does not take lightly.
"You know why I keep coming back? Because I love this job! It keeps me going and that is what life is about. The Lord called me to serve and I am a servant. I am a Christian," she said.
Hamilton says crossing guards are crucial because students would not be able to cross the street to go to school without servants like herself helping them along. She wants to encourage drivers to be mindful when behind the wheel.
"There's nothing so important down the road to where you can't stop. You aren't in that big of a hurry. The traffic lights are going to stop you," Hamilton said.
Officer Lopez with College Station Police Department says at some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian.
"Whether you drive to the store and you have to walk from your car or when you walk around the block, it's important to remember pedestrian safety tips- what to remember when you are a pedestrian and what to remember when you are a driver," Officer Lopez said.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says nationally in 2019, pedestrian deaths accounted for approximately 17% of total traffic fatalities. In 2018, 6,283 pedestrians died, which is the highest number of people killed while walking since 1990.
"Let's all work together to reduce pedestrian fatalities on our roadways," Officer Lopez added.
"You can save your life and save someone else's life without having an accident," Hamilton said.
NHTSA says the goal of increasing awareness about pedestrian safety is to remind both drivers and walkers that staying safe is a shared responsibility.
Officer Lopez says College Station Police Department has a crossing guard position open. Those interested you can apply online.