Safety tips for campus drivers

This is part of a series of articles discussing safety and security for the Purdue West Lafayette campus.

* Avoid using your cellphone or any other electronic device while driving. This also means never text while driving.

* Slow down. Observe posted speed limits. They have been designated with pedestrian and cyclist traffic in mind.

* Be patient and observant. Stay calm and have patience while navigating through campus during class hours.

* Remember that pedestrians have the right of way when they are in the crosswalk.

* Watch out for bicyclists riding without lights and for pedestrians wearing black or dark-colored clothing at night.

* Pass bicyclists slowly and cautiously using at least a three-foot clearance.

* Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists who disregard the law and dart into traffic.

* Be aware that if you are driving on University business, you are bound by the University’s vehicle use policy. That policy calls for operating the vehicle in a safe and courteous manner at all times and in compliance with all applicable laws and Purdue policies. (http://www.purdue.edu/policies/pages/facilities_lands/i_2_1.shtml )

* Be aware that pedestrians with cellphones in their hands and or ear buds in their ears have severely compromised their senses. They may not be aware of your presence and may step out in front of you. If they are not looking at you, they probably don’t know your vehicle is present.

* Progress very slowly and cautiously when you notice the sidewalk is very congested or near construction zones. Pedestrians may step out into the street in those areas or be pushed out into the street by other pedestrian traffic on the walkway.

* Be cognizant that law enforcement on and around campus is enforcing the law and posted speed limits. If you don’t follow the law, you may be cited.

Writer: Hannah Harper, harper4@purdue.edu