Pedestrian Safety

In just an instant, a student’s first week at the University of Alabama can take a wrong turn. This was the case for a freshman female walking across Bryant Drive two weeks ago. Without looking either way, the female was struck by a moving vehicle. Attempting to cross the street where there happened to be no crosswalk was not the destined route for her on this particular day. Horrifying accidents like this can easily be avoided if the right measures are taken. Through this post, we will delve into traffic accidents with pedestrians on campus and learn how they can be avoided and hopefully make this campus a safer environment for both, pedestrians and drivers.

Simple traffic accidents that include pedestrians can easily be stamped as faults of those behind the wheel in the wreck. Most state’s laws concerning pedestrians, declares that pedestrians always have the right of way, no matter where they are walking. While these laws need to be obeyed, sometimes commuters on campus may wonder if pedestrians are extending their liberties beyond the law. It seems that every day a blaring car horn can be heard, and when turning to look at the scene, one sees a flustered pedestrian running across the road while waving their hand in apology. With the amount of students on campus from day to day and the near equal split with those who drive and those who walk, it seems like the perfect formula for an accident. While those who walk will quickly state that the right of way belongs to them, that right cannot defend the students for jaywalking in front of traffic. This creates not only a dangerous situation for drivers, but also delays on their commute through campus. Also, it quite possibly can make them late for classes and appointments. When speaking with a third year student and commuter at the Capstone, their biggest complaint was the amount of students that step out into traffic at non crossing zones. Pedestrians need to remember not to take their rights for granted because they could end up being the victim of any given accident.

Slight measures have been taken to minimize the chances of wrecks involving pedestrians. Last spring, a University Officer directed traffic at the entrance of the Ferguson Center for one hour between noon and 1:00 P.M. At this hour, congestion was at its worst, at the intersection of 3rd St. & McCorvey Drive. Packs of almost thirty students crossed from either side when allowed by the Officer. To ensure pedestrian safety and lower stress for commuters the University needs to look into using more of the UAPD at intersections where there are high volumes of students crossing. Brochures considering pedestrian safety can be made as well and distributed for free at locations across campus. Whatever the measure is, it would need to be implemented immediately to ensure student safety and avoid tragedy such as the accident that occurred across Bryant Drive. Luckily, that student has recovered at the DCH hospital, but situations like this need to and can be avoided. We hope that if you are someone who walks around campus, that you take the necessary precautions to avoid being in a life threatening disaster.