Approximately nine hundred teenage pedestrians are killed and about fifty one thousand injured annually. People use different modes of transport on campus such as driving, biking and, most commonly, walking. Students, teachers, staff and visitors should always observe safety precautions while moving on or around campus. It is the concern of both the motorist and the pedestrian to ensure that movement around campus is done as safely as possible. This is attained through all road users observing traffic rules and regulations.
It is not only the pedestrian’s actions that put them at risk but also the actions of bikers and motorists as well. Concentration on the road is the key to avoiding accidents. Both the pedestrians and the motorists (including bikers) should observe rules that guide them. Some campuses, like the Ohio State University, have initiatives like ‘share the road’ that are geared at helping improve safety of road users in the campus. Other campuses have on-campus police patrols to help deal with those who break the law. On-campus police have the same mandate and authority as any other traffic police. Any tickets or summons issued by on-campus police hold as much obligation as those of any other law enforcement officer.
All road users, including motorist, bikers and the pedestrians themselves, have a role to play in ensuring pedestrian safety on or around campus. Pedestrians can promote their own safety by walking on the sidewalks at all times. This ensures that they are a safe distance from traffic and are therefore safe. A pedestrian can only step out of the sidewalk if they are crossing the road. This also should be done at designated crosswalks. It is safer when pedestrians cross the road at crosswalks since they are given right of way by motorist at these points. However, this law is limited to only when the pedestrian has established themselves to oncoming traffic and given adequate time for a motorist to slow down. It is a risk to one’s safety and a violation of the law if a pedestrian assumes right of way and runs into a moving vehicles path as to create a hazardous situation.
Pedestrians should also obey traffic signs meant for them. Signs and signals are meant to control movement of both the pedestrian and the motorist. Following the instructions of these signs and signals ensures smooth and safe usage of the road. Failure to obey these signs and signals constitutes a crime and a pedestrian is subject to a ticket or summons for breaking the law. Just as a motorist gets a traffic ticket for jumping a red light, a pedestrian can get a ticket or summon for disobeying a signal or posted sign. Disobeying traffic signs puts both the pedestrian and the motorist in danger. Breaking of these traffic laws can warrant a fine of up to a hundred dollars and in some campuses, repeat offenders are subject to disciplinary probation.
Students on campus are advised to avoid using gadgets that distract their attention when using the road. Such gadgets include cell phones and iPods. If one has to use a mobile phone while on the road, they should stand aside on the curb and use the phone. Pedestrians are also advised to put low volume on their devices when listening to music. This allows them to partially hear what is happening around them. It is safer and wiser to stick to the sidewalks when listening to music on the iPod. It is also safer to get off the phone when crossing the road. Talking on the phone and crossing the road at the same time is also dangerous. It constitutes a violation of laws and is therefore banned in some campuses.
The motorist’s role on ensuring pedestrian safety on campus is mainly governed by the speed limit law. The speed limit for driving on campus is twenty five miles per hour. This speed limit should be observed by all motorists to ensure safety of both themselves as well as the pedestrians. A motorist should always be alert and concentrate on the road. Avoid distractions so as to be able to react appropriately to any surprises. Obeying traffic laws, signs and signals by motorists reduce the chances of accidents while observing the speed limits make pedestrians feel safer.
Motorist should also yield way for pedestrians who have established themselves on crosswalks. The pedestrian has a right of way if they have established their presence on crosswalks early enough. This does not mean the pedestrian has the road reserved for them where there are ‘yield to pedestrians’ signs. It only serves to alert the motorist that there is heightened pedestrian activity at the spot. When turning, the motorist is required to give way to pedestrians and bikers. The motorist should observe caution, patience and wait to pass.
A biker or cyclist is also a major road user whose actions contribute to the safety of both the motorists and the pedestrians. A biker should avoid riding on the sidewalk to avoid hitting pedestrians. Sidewalks are meant for pedestrians and it could be considered a crime. Bikers should also observe traffic rules and follow signs and signals. They too, like motorist, should yield to pedestrians who have established themselves on crosswalks. Bikes should also be kept in good conditions to ensure they are not prone to causing accidents.
Cyclists should avoid detractors such as headphones that prohibit them from hearing while riding. High concentration is required while riding to avoid collisions with pedestrians. Same rules apply to riders as to motorist. For violating a traffic law, a cyclist may be fined on the spot or receive summons to appear in court. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorist should all exhibit intelligence, caution and patience when using the road to help secure the safety of everyone including pedestrian safety on and around campus.
Most universities and colleges have on-campus police whose mandate is to ensure the safety of everyone. Traffic police on campus play a significant role in ensuring the safety of all including pedestrians and maintaining the highest standard of integrity on road usage on campus. Most campuses have also come up with initiatives to promote safety of pedestrians on the campuses. The Ohio State University even holds an annual bike fair to promote safety of riding for both bikers and pedestrians.
In conclusion, pedestrian safety is paramount in campus. This safety is not only the responsibility of the pedestrians but of motorist and bikers as well. Everyone is responsible for the safe use of campus roads. There are a lot of pedestrians on campus and there is heightened pedestrian activity on campus roads especially during class shifts. Most colleges have on-campus police to help with control and management of traffic whether vehicle traffic or pedestrian traffic. It is then clear that if everyone observes the rules and regulations of road use on campus, pedestrian safety can be achieved. Listening to and obeying traffic police on campus helps save lives. When a student is stopped by the police, he/she should identify themselves and produce some identification documents.
Works Cited
Iannarelli, Alfred Victor. The campus police. California: Precision Photo-Form Co., 2007.
Krueger, Tara en Nelson. Transit Systems in College and University Communities. Washington: Transportation Research Board, 2008.
Sandt, Laura. Resident’s Guide for Creating Safe and Walkable Communities. New York: DIANE Publishing, 2011.
