Committee offers tips about pedestrian safety

To the Editor:
I am writing this letter on behalf of the Personal Safety Committee to heighten awareness about pedestrian safety on campus. More people die each year in pedestrian accidents than by drowning, fires or poison. Yet, pedestrian safety often is overlooked.

A walk across the street does not need to be an invitation to danger. By taking precautions and learning some basic safety guidelines, one can make it safely to the other side of the street. Pedestrians should remember:

• Always cross the street in marked crosswalks.
• Stay away from traffic after drinking alcohol or when taking medication that causes dizziness or blurs vision. Call a cab if necessary.
• When walking after dark, carry a flashlight and wear retro-reflective materials that outline the human form.
• In foul weather (rain or snow), allow extra time and distance for a vehicle to stop. Do not let umbrellas or jacket hoods block your view of approaching traffic.
• Always look left-right-left whenever and wherever you cross. Keep looking left-right-left until you have finished crossing.

Drivers should remember:

• Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and come to a complete stop, if necessary.
• Do not pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks.
• When making a turn, take a last look for pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Watch out for pedestrians when backing up in parking lots.
• Use extra caution when driving at night. Pedestrians are very difficult to see in the dark.
• In foul weather, remember that your stopping distance is increased.
• Be patient when an older adult or a physically challenged person is crossing at an intersection.

Sincerely,

John Grela
Director of Public Safety
Ad-hoc Chair, Personal Safety Committee