Pedestrian safety on campus

Simple road safety guidelines to prevent pedestrian injuries

Be safe and be seen: Make yourself visible to drivers.

• Wear bright/ light colours clothing and reflective materials at night.
• When crossing the street at night, only cross in designated crosswalks that are well lit.
• Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars and other obstacles before crossing the street so that drivers can clearly see you.

Be smart and alert: Avoid dangerous behaviors.

• Always walk on the sidewalk. If sidewalks are not available, walk against the flow, facing traffic.
• Stay sober. Walking while impaired increases your chances of being struck.
• Make eye contact with drivers. Never assume that a driver has seen you or will stop for you.
• Look in both directions before your cross the road.
• Remove your headphones and take a break from your phone while crossing the road.
• Be alert to vehicle noises, back up lights, and back up alarms on vehicles.
• All university works yards and construction areas are clearly marked with signs. Do not enter university works yards and construction areas or interfere with workers and equipment in these areas.

Be careful at crossings: Look before you step.

• Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections whenever possible.
• Follow pedestrian signs and traffic signals.
• Look left, right, and left again before crossing a street
• Watch for turning vehicles. Make sure the driver sees you and will stop for you.
• Look across ALL lanes you must cross, and visually clear each lane before proceeding. Even if one motorist stops, do not presume drivers in other lanes can see you and will stop.
• Remove your headphones and take a break from your phone while crossing the road.
• Be careful at intersections. Watch for drivers turning left or right through the crosswalk. Drivers may be focused on oncoming traffic and not see you.

For information on driving safely on campus, visit Transport equipment and vehicle safety.