In honor of Pedestrian Safety Month, the WVU Police Department and Facilities Operations team remind you to keep our campus safe for both pedestrians and drivers.
It’s on each of us to prioritize the safety of the thousands of Mountaineers who travel through campus every day. Use the following safety tips to keep everyone as safe as possible.
Pedestrian Safety
- Walk on sidewalks when possible. If a sidewalk isn’t available, walk facing traffic.
- Cross at marked crosswalks and follow all traffic signals and signs. If a crosswalk isn’t available, cross in a well-lit area where you have a clear view of traffic.
- Assume drivers don’t or can’t see you. When crossing a road, assume drivers aren’t going to stop and ensure that all vehicles are aware that 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 Safety Notification System.