Keeping students safe throughout the year is a top priority at Salt Lake Community College. Drivers and pedestrians need to be aware of and respect each other.
“Make sure when you are crossing the road, you are using a designated crosswalk. That way drivers are more likely to be aware that there is a possibility of a pedestrian crossing the road,” says Jennifer Williams, Traffic Safety Program Manager for Utah Safety Council.
Although drivers are supposed to yield to pedestrians, drivers may not always be able to stop quickly enough before seeing a pedestrian in an undesignated crosswalk.
“Students need to be aware that crossing the road at a non-established intersection is in violation of the law; plus, they are taking a huge safety risk,” says David Antonsen, Utah Highway Patrol State Trooper.
According to Williams, there are a lot of issues with distracted drivers and pedestrians. Many pedestrians get hit when either the driver or pedestrian is distracted with a variety of things such as texting, eating, talking on cell phones or listening to music.
Patience is the key for avoiding accidents.
Allowing plenty of time to arrive at the college for parking and walking to class is enough to avoid trouble.
“It’s better to be late, than get arrested by us or get a ticket,” says Antonsen.
According to the Utah Driver Handbook, bicyclists need to be aware that they are considered a vehicle. They must obey all traffic laws and assume that drivers do not see them. It is wise for bicyclists to read the drivers handbook in order to understand all of the safety rules regarding bicycle safety.
