A crossing guard in Lehi, Utah, moved in front of a vehicle that began advancing while children were still crossing a school intersection, stopping the vehicle before anyone was struck.
The incident happened on September 16, 2026, at the intersection of 1100 West and 1450 South.
Crossing guard Tara Sandstrom was helping children cross when a white vehicle began moving into the intersection.
Video from the scene shows Sandstrom holding a stop sign as children on scooters entered the crosswalk.
When the vehicle started forward, she moved toward it and positioned herself between the car and the children.
The driver stopped, allowing the children to complete the crossing safely.
No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
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Crossing guard reacts as vehicle moves forward
Sandstrom later said her response was instinctive because children were still in the crosswalk and she was responsible for monitoring traffic from multiple directions.
She described the moment as frightening but said her priority was keeping the children out of the vehicle’s path.
She also said she would respond the same way if a similar situation happened again.
The incident has drawn renewed attention to the risks faced by crossing guards and students when drivers fail to remain stopped until a crossing is fully clear.
What Utah law says about school crosswalks
Utah law requires a vehicle approaching a school crosswalk to come to a complete stop when the crosswalk is occupied by a person.
Drivers must also yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk when they are on the half of the roadway where the vehicle is travelling or are close enough to be in danger.
The law also prohibits a driver from passing another vehicle that has stopped at a marked or unmarked crosswalk to allow a pedestrian to cross.
That means drivers should not begin moving simply because a child has cleared one lane.
Vehicles must remain stopped while pedestrians and crossing personnel are still exposed to traffic.
Lehi police previously warned about close calls
The incident came shortly after Lehi police issued a back-to-school reminder about school-zone driving and pedestrian safety.
Lehi has 26 crossing guards helping students travel through school areas, according to local police information.
The city serves more than 18,000 students, and officials have warned that children are easier to protect when drivers slow down, remain alert and follow designated walking routes.
Police have also said crossing guards have reported vehicles coming dangerously close to students and guards because drivers were unwilling to wait for a crossing to finish.
Those warnings are not limited to Utah.
Across Canada and the United States, crossing guards rely on motorists to recognize their stop signs, slow down near schools and avoid passing stopped vehicles.
What drivers should do near a crossing guard
Stop before the marked stop line or crosswalk when a crossing guard displays a stop sign.
Remain stopped until all pedestrians and the crossing guard have cleared the roadway.
Do not pass a vehicle that has stopped for children or other pedestrians.
Scan for children who may be approaching from sidewalks, driveways or between parked vehicles.
Expect delays during school arrival and dismissal times and avoid aggressive manoeuvres.
For crossing guards, the Lehi incident highlights how quickly a routine crossing can become dangerous.
For drivers, it is a reminder that a few extra seconds can prevent a serious injury.
Authorities have not reported that the driver involved in the September 16 incident was charged.
The footage and Sandstrom’s account show that the vehicle stopped before reaching the children.
The immediate crossing ended safely, but the broader safety message remains unchanged: drivers must treat school crosswalks as active pedestrian zones and wait until the entire crossing is clear before proceeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the children in the Lehi crossing-guard incident?
The children completed the crossing safely after the vehicle stopped. No injuries were reported.
Who was the crossing guard involved?
The crossing guard was identified as Tara Sandstrom, who was working at an intersection in Lehi, Utah.
When did the incident happen?
The incident occurred on September 16, 2026, at 1100 West and 1450 South in Lehi.
What must drivers do at a school crosswalk in Utah?
Drivers must stop when a school crosswalk is occupied and remain stopped while pedestrians are crossing. They must not pass another vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
Can drivers move once children have passed their lane?
Drivers should remain stopped until all pedestrians and the crossing guard have cleared the roadway and it is safe to proceed.
Fact-Checked: Key details were checked against Utah’s pedestrian-right-of-way statute, Lehi city information and multiple current reports describing the September 16, 2026 incident.
Disclaimer: Traffic laws vary by jurisdiction, so drivers should follow the rules and directions that apply in their province, state or municipality.