Crosswalks are essential for the safety of pedestrians and drivers. Crosswalks allow drivers to anticipate the movement of pedestrians across busy roads. They are supposed to signal a safe crossing location but that only happens when both pedestrians and drivers are mindful of this safety feature. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that there are an estimated 100,000+ emergency department visits of pedestrians treated for non-fatal, crash-related injuries while one in six crashes results in serious or fatal injuries. These are alarming statistics for a problem that can be easily reduced if not stopped with proper crosswalk etiquette.

Drivers: 

• Always look out for pedestrians, not just at intersections.
• Slow down and prepare to stop any time you approach a crosswalk.
• Exercise extreme caution in low visibility conditions, such as at night or in heavy fog.
• Always, Always, yield to pedestrians navigating crosswalks.

Pedestrians: 

• Please take the extra steps and cross at designated crosswalks or intersections.
• Remember, driver visibility could be hindered by low light conditions, fog, or rain. Increase your visibility by wearing light colored clothing or by using a light.
• Always watch traffic and if possible, make eye contact with the driver. It will help you determine if the driver sees you or they are distracted.
• Many vehicles have blind spots. Make sure you are seen by using the walk signals at many of the crosswalks.

These few extra steps can ensure that we are safely sharing the road and being respectful to one another.  

Do you have a suggested topic for the Campus Safety Corner? Email your suggestion, with “Campus Safety Corner” in the subject line, to pulse@uchc.edu.

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