October is Pedestrian Safety Month, and the WVU Police Department is committed to pedestrian safety across our campus. Utilize the following safety tips to stay as safe as possible as a pedestrian and keep fellow Mountaineers safe if you are driving.
Pedestrian Safety
- Walk on sidewalks when possible. If a sidewalk is not available, walk facing traffic at a safe distance.
- When crossing a roadway, utilize marked crosswalks when available and obey all traffic laws, signals and signs. If a crosswalk is not available, cross in a well-lit area where you have a clear view of traffic. Be patient and wait to cross until you have ample time to cross safely.
- Assume drivers do not see you. When crossing a roadway, assume drivers are not going to stop and ensure that all vehicles, including ones that are turning, are aware you intend to cross.
- Heads up, phones down. Put the phone down while walking. Turn down the volume on headphones or remove headphones entirely and refrain from talking on the phone while crossing a street to limit distractions.
- When walking at night, wear bright colors and stay in well-lit areas.
- Don’t step into traffic from behind an obstruction.
Driver Safety
- Obey all traffic lights and signals. Reduce your speed for yellow traffic lights – running a red light is never worth the risk.
- Watch for pedestrians everywhere at all times, and always yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk.
- Use extra caution when driving in high pedestrian traffic areas, during inclement weather, while backing up and while driving at night.
- When turning or entering a crosswalk area, slow down and be prepared to stop.
- Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol or while otherwise distracted, such as using a cell phone or wearing headphones.
Download the LiveSafe app and turn on push notifications for direct and discreet two-way communication with police. To receive alerts about emergencies and incidents on or near campus, register for the WVU Alert system.