Campus & town traffic safety

News Talk 046
Final Project
TZU-WEI KUO

Campus & town traffic safety

In this article, “Tragedy stresses the importance of safety,” from the Daily Egyptian, Monique Garcia said that one girl was killed on the campus. And then a student established an organization, Advocates for Crosswalk and Traffic Safety. However, this case pressured administrators to reduce the speed limit on campus from 25 mph to 20 mph. Despite this campaign, dozens of bicyclists, motorists, and pedestrians are still not paying attention while they go through crosswalks. According to Liti, “Sometimes it’s scary. In the mornings, you get the people flying through crosswalks because they are late for class or work. I have to stop and make sure I look both ways. But no matter what, I think it is the responsibility of the driver to slow down. I know that when I drive, I am really paranoid about bikers. I am scared that I won’t see them.”

First of all, according to a campus policeman I interviewed, he believes the 20 mph speed limit is appropriate and does not believe it needs to change. Moreover, currently, there is not a law forbidding the use of cell phones while driving; however, he believes this is an issue that merits continued monitoring and possible consideration for a law if there continues to be accidents associated with cell phone use while driving. According to his experience, he believes a combination of speed and lack of attention to driving are two of the biggest factors overall. He believes alcohol is a prime factor for accidents involving certain age groups.

Second, let’s see. Suggestions for campus traffic safety. I think come cars may need to go more slowly because drivers do not pay attention to what’s happening on the sidewalk, and they only focus on the street. They might just be driving along checking out the scenery, too. However, in the U.S. pedestrians have the right of way and it is the responsibility and the obligation of the driver to watch out for pedestrians. Nevertheless, of course, pedestrians should pay attention. They need to look both ways before crossing—stop, look and listen—and like I said, try to make sure eye contact has been established before proceeding, i.e., before crossing at the crosswalk.

Finally, according to laws and customs here, the pedestrian always has the right of way, no matter what. If they cross in a place that is not a crosswalk and cause a car to have to slow down, that is called ‘jay-walking’ and police can give pedestrians a ticket or a fine for that.