October 24, 2023
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
In the hustle and bustle of campus life in the middle of a busy urban area, pedestrian safety cannot be overlooked. It is not just an individual duty, but a shared commitment to protect each member of our community. By prioritizing pedestrian safety, we create a safer campus experience for every Mustang. During this National Pedestrian Safety Month, please review these important safety tips for pedestrians and motorists.
Motorists
- Yield for pedestrians in crosswalks. They have the right of way. Motorists have a significant responsibility to help protect pedestrians.
- 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 drive impaired.
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.
- 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 to ensure they notice your presence.
- Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking areas.
- Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
Electric Scooters
Users of privately-owned electric scooters and other personal mobility devices must follow University policy, including the following:
- Obey traffic rules on campus, including stopping at stop lights and stop signs, and limit their speed to ten (10) miles per hour or less.
- Stay to the right on all roadways, pathways, and sidewalks.
- Yield to pedestrians in walkways and sidewalks and provide audible or hand signals when approaching or passing pedestrians.
Thank you for your efforts to help keep SMU a safe learning, living and working environment.