Purdue police urge walking, riding, driving safety as warmth arrives early
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Texting while driving is now against the law in Indiana. Texting while crossing busy streets is not. But it's equally dangerous, says Purdue police Capt. Eric Chin.
"We're seeing a lot of people texting while crossing the street," Chin said. "They're looking down at the phones, so they're really not paying attention to their surroundings."
Police want that to stop, particularly as the earlier-than-normal warm temperatures inspire more outdoor activity.
Chin reminds that it is important for pedestrians to cross streets in the proper places. He reminds bicyclists that they can ride on designated drives and bike paths but not on sidewalks unless otherwise posted. Mounted cyclists are prohibited in crosswalks and encouraged to dismount their bikes at crosswalks and walk them to the other side of the street and do the same in crowded pedestrian area. Cyclists also should obey all traffic laws.
"One thing cyclists need to remember is that they're subject to the same fines as motorists for traffic violations," Chin said.
A list of safety tips for both pedestrians and drivers is available at http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/purduetoday/faculty_staff_news/2010/100923_PedSafeTips.html
Writer: Jim Bush, 765-494-2077, jsbush@purdue.edu
Source: Eric Chin, ehchin@purdue.edu