October is National Pedestrian Safety Month

October 14, 2024

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and focusing on pedestrian safety as we walk and drive around the Hilltop helps make campus safer for everyone. Please take a moment to review these important tips for both pedestrians and drivers.

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 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.
  • 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 to ensure they notice your presence.
  • Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking areas.

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 doing your part to help keep SMU a safe place to learn, live and work.