Universities Improve Pedestrian Safety On Connecticut Campuses

Universities across Connecticut have improved pedestrian safety on their campuses following several pedestrian accidents. Fortunately, there are safety steps that those on foot or bike can follow to prevent
pedestrian and bicycle accidents.

Universities Improve Campus Safety

Improvements to pedestrian safety are cropping up at universities across Connecticut. Officials at the University of Connecticut have implemented a device called Safe Tune Alert on buses that operate across campus. The device is triggered by the turning of the steering wheel and issues an alert to pedestrians that the bus is turning. It also reminds bus drivers to look out for pedestrians as they turn onto cross streets.

Western Connecticut State University and the University of Hartford have also made modifications to their roadways to improve pedestrian safety. These universities have installed new signs and crosswalks. They have also lowered speed limits to help reduce the chance that pedestrians are hit by motor vehicles driving through the campus. Some new crosswalks even double as speed bumps.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

In 2010, 319 pedestrians died in Connecticut. This was a shocking 42 percent increase from the prior year. Since
pedestrian accidents and deaths have been on the rise, pedestrians need to take extra precautions to protect their safety.

Whenever on foot, be it out for an evening stroll, walking the dog or rushing to a morning class, pedestrians should always stay alert and focused on the road as they walk. While walking, avoid distractions such as a cell phone or load music blaring through headphones. This is especially important when crossing intersections. Pedestrians should never assume that drivers see them and should try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.

Pedestrians should only cross the street at designated crosswalks. If a crosswalk is not available, look for traffic and wait to cross until a safe break in the traffic occurs. Likewise, pedestrians should always use available sidewalks when walking along a street. If it is necessary to walk on a street without a sidewalk, walk facing the traffic, not with the traffic.

With additional pedestrian safety improvements on campuses statewide, those walking to school or out for jog on Connecticut university campuses should be safer at school this fall. If you or a loved one has been injured by a motor vehicle while walking, please contact an experienced personal injury attorney.