There’s more to crosswalk safety than looking left and right before you cross the street. Whether you are walking, biking or driving around the New Mexico State University campus, it’s important to aware of your surroundings at all times, watch for the unexpected and eliminate distractions. NMSU’s Emergency Planning Committee has the following tips to help:
Pedestrians:
- Always cross at marked crosswalks.
- Obey any pedestrian signals and look left right left. By doing this, you ensure that the road is clear in both directions before crossing.
- If a vehicle approaches, make eye contact with the driver to be sure they see you before you cross.
- Look before walking past stopped vehicles. Do not cross just because a driver waves you on. Be sure all lanes are clear first.
- Remember that bicyclists are not considered pedestrians unless they are walking their bikes. Otherwise, they are considered vehicles.
Bicyclists:
- Yield to pedestrians.
- Remember that bicyclists are not considered pedestrians unless they are walking their bikes.
- Obey vehicular traffic signals and laws on the roadways.
- Use extra caution as you transition between bike paths, roads and sidewalks. Be aware that your actions are unpredictable to drivers and pedestrians.
Drivers:
- Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalks and at intersections.
- Come to a complete stop if pedestrians are crossing or preparing to cross.
- Be prepared to stop at all marked crosswalks. Stay alert and reduce speed in areas with crosswalks.
- Wait until pedestrians have crossed at least one lane past the lane you are in before resuming travel.
- Never pass another vehicle that has stopped or is slowing down at a crosswalk.
- Don’t text or talk on your mobile phone while driving.
Please review best practices for campus driving at this link: https://safety.nmsu.edu/campus-safety/camp-sub-folder/vehicles-and-defensive-driving-program.html.
Utility carts:
Small utility service vehicles referred to as ‘utility carts’ include golf carts, turf vehicles and small rough terrain vehicles that are allowed on controlled access areas and or streets of the campus. Operation of utility carts on sidewalks poses risk to pedestrians and therefore requires special training and responsibility to prevent incidents and potential injury. All individuals operating utility carts must be trained before using the vehicles.
Learn more about utility cart requirements at https://safety.nmsu.edu/campus-safety/camp-sub-folder/utility-carts.html.
For more information about NMSU campus safety trainings and programs, visit the NMSU Police website.