As the fall semester gets underway, we want to remind you to slow down while driving and observe your surroundings as a pedestrian. Caution and attention to safety are absolutely critical with increased congestion and more vehicles, utility carts and pedestrian traffic on campus. It's also important to be careful in the neighborhoods around campus. There are a number of high-intensity activated crosswalks installed along University Avenue and other areas of pedestrian crosswalks, but drivers aren't always sure what to do.
Tips for pedestrians and drivers:
- Pedestrians be aware of surroundings
- Watch for the unexpected
- Avoid congested campus areas
- Drive the posted speed limit
- Eliminate distractions while driving
- Pass bicyclists and utility carts with care
Please review Best Practices for Campus Driving using this link.
How to use high-intensity activated crosswalks:
- When the lights are not on, drivers should proceed normally.
- If a yellow light is flashing, prepare to stop.
- If red lights are flashing, drivers should treat the location as if there is a stop sign. Stop and allow pedestrians to go through the crosswalk.
Once the crosswalk is clear, drivers at the front may proceed. The next drivers should pull up to the stop line and come to a complete stop, check to make sure the crosswalk is clear, and then proceed. This process of stopping and making sure the crosswalk is clear should continue until the lights turn off.
Various New Mexico State University units, including police, fire and Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management, work together every day to create a safe environment for faculty, staff, students and visitors. But each of us also has a role in keeping our campus safe.
To keep your car and dorm safe at NMSU, immediately lock doors and windows, never leave valuables in plain sight in vehicles, and avoid propping open exterior residence hall doors. Report suspicious activity to the NMSU Police Department and use secured, well-lit areas for parking and walking.
NMSU dorm security tips:
- Lock up: Always lock your dorm room door, even when sleeping or leaving for a short time.
- Secure access: Do not prop open exterior doors to residence halls, as this compromises building security.
- Key security: Never leave keys in the car/ignition and keep home and car keys separate.
- Document valuables: Engrave or mark valuables (textbooks, laptops) and keep a record of serial numbers.
- Report suspicious activity: Immediately contact NMSU police if you notice suspicious people or activities in residential areas.
NMSU vehicle safety tips:
- Lock and close: Ensure all windows are closed and doors are locked, regardless of how long you will be away.
- Hide belongings: Do not leave valuables (laptops, bags, documents) in plain sight; lock them in the trunk.
- Parking: Use well-lit, authorized parking lots.
- Be aware: Be conscious of your surroundings when walking to and from your vehicle.
For more information, visit https://www.nmsupolice.com/safety/safety-pages/tips.html. The NMSU police non-emergency line is 575-646-3311.