As a new school year begins in Denver, crossing guards describe the worst driver behavior they see in school zones

As schools in Denver are back in session Monday morning, crossing guards are asking parents and students to be careful around them. These are the people who keep everyone safe by risking their own lives each and every day.

Denver crossing guards say the biggest issue they see is people driving distracted, especially on their phones. They are also concerned about speeding through school zones and crosswalks.

Denver crossing guards say they went through defensive training all summer long. This training helps them stop aggressive and dangerous drivers.

Crossing guard Mark Beeson has been assisting Denver students for five years. Beeson is currently a crossing guard at Kaiser Elementary School. He is reminding students to listen to what he says and other crossing guards, so you are always safe, especially when crossing a crosswalk.

"It's extremely dangerous because the kids need to cross there," Mark Beeson, crossing guard in Denver. "If they are in the crosswalk, it also blocks sight lines so other cars cannot see kids that are trying to cross."

Crossing guards in Denver are also reminding students to never dart across the street. You need to follow the instructions of your crossing guard and cross when it is safe. Parents need to also provide these tips for their kids who walk alone or with a group to school.

Denver Public Schools has 45 crossing guards to help assist. The school district usually employs between 55 to 60. Right now, they are asking city partners to provide more funding and grants for them to hire more crossing guards. They say it helps as they are spending their budget by mid-year.

A few days ago, Denver police provided tips for drivers in a social media post with students heading back to school.