Dear SMU Community,
As SMU is a residential community located in a busy urban environment, it’s important that you stay alert and aware of your surroundings whether you are walking to class or driving across campus. October is also National Pedestrian Safety Awareness Month, and we hope these reminders will help you stay safe.
Pedestrians
- Obey traffic signs and signals.
- Avoid cell phone use and keep earbuds or headsets off so you can see and hear what is going on around you.
- Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
- Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Activate rapid flash beacons (RFBs) if the crosswalk has them. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
- Try to make eye contact with drivers so that they see you.
- Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots or parking centers.
Motorists
- Yield for pedestrians in crosswalks. They have the right of way.
- Obey traffic signs and signals. Be sure to come to a complete stop at stop signs.
- Watch your speed.
- Put the cell phone down and look out for pedestrians.
- Do not block crosswalks when you stop at intersections.
- Take extra care while driving around campus and the adjacent neighborhoods.
- Don’t drink and drive.
Thank you for your efforts to help keep SMU a safe learning, living and working environment.