What does a school crossing patrol use to signal a barrier to stop pedestrians from crossing?

A school crossing patrol uses a pole or baton to signal a barrier, indicating to pedestrians that it is not safe to cross. The pole or baton is typically designed to be highly visible and can be used effectively to draw attention to the patrol's presence, enhancing safety for children as they approach or wait to cross the street. By holding the pole or baton in an upright position, the patrol can clearly communicate the need for vehicles to stop, helping to ensure that the area remains safe while school children are crossing.

In contrast, while a sign with flashing lights can alert drivers, it does not provide direct human oversight like a patrol does. An arm raised high may indicate a desire for vehicles to stop, but it lacks the visibility and authority that a pole or baton conveys. Similarly, multiple people holding hands is not a practical or recognized method of signaling for pedestrian safety in a crossing scenario and would not effectively manage traffic.