The fall 2011 semester has brought several new students to campus, as well as an influx in pedestrian traffic. Students walking throughout campus should be respectful of the crosswalks. There are rules set in place and students need to follow them. Lt. Patrick Gipson, Uniform Patrol Supervisor at Southeastern, often has to deal with students not following regulations.

“Many students seem to believe they have the right-of-way anywhere on campus and that is not the case,” said Lt. Gipson.

People driving through campus, mainly in the section of SGA Drive between D Vickers and Sims Memorial Library, should also be mindful of students trying to cross outside the crosswalks. According to Gipson accidents do not occur very often, but several have taken place over the past few years.

“If someone steps out into the road outside of a crosswalk and is hit by a car, the pedestrian is at fault,” said Lt. Gipson.

The rules are outlined and in place to ensure the safety of every person on campus. Gibson defined a crosswalk as “any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.”

The lines on the road are also a sign for drivers to stop at least a few feet from the crosswalk in order for pedestrians to have enough room to cross.

“When traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation, the driver of the vehicle [should] stop and yield the right-of-way when the pedestrian is upon the roadway which the vehicle is traveling,” said Lt. Gipson.

The sidewalks serve a purpose and they are there to be used. It isn’t safe for someone to run out into the road, even if they are late for class. The only advice UPD can give to students is to “cross only at crosswalks, and be sure you can be clearly seen by approaching motorists before stepping into the roadway,” said Lt. Gipson, and most importantly, “pay attention to your surroundings.”

During busy class changes, someone from the University Parking Office is sent out to Friendship Circle to direct traffic. This being one of the most used crosswalks, students and drivers alike should be aware of their surroundings.

According to Lt. Gipson, someone comes out to “monitor the flow of walkers and vehicles, and they try to help everyone get where they are going as quickly and safely as possible.” So next time you’re crossing the street, remember to look both ways.