Brush up on these pedestrian safety tips, Wildcats

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 8, 2023) — Welcome back, Wildcats! As we enter the peak of the winter season, reacquaint yourself with these tips to travel safely on campus.

The University of Kentucky is a pedestrian-focused campus, but we exist among many busy roads. If proper precautions are followed, drivers and pedestrians can coexist safely, on-campus or otherwise.

The UK Police Department (UKPD) and UK Transportation Services actively promote a safe and secure campus. But they need your help. 

Here are some tips to navigate safely whether you’re traveling on foot or by car: 

Tips for pedestrians 

• Always cross at marked crosswalks or intersections; this is where drivers anticipate pedestrians. 
• Don’t rely solely on pedestrian signals; look in both directions before crossing the road. 
• Remain vigilant and look both ways before stepping off the sidewalk. 
• Never assume that drivers see you, even if you have the right of way. They could be distracted or impaired, or their blind spot may block visibility. 
• When walking at night, use designated crosswalks that are well-lit. 
• Always make eye contact with drivers to ensure you are seen. 
• Wear bright or reflective clothing if walking in low-light conditions. 
• Make sure you have enough time to cross if the light is counting down. 
• Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars and other obstacles before crossing the street so you are visible. 
• Obey traffic signals and Walk/Don’t Walk signs. 

Tips for drivers 

• Follow all traffic rules, including the designated speed limit. 
• Always stop for pedestrians and provide adequate clearance, even if they’re in a marked crosswalk. 
• Be alert that pedestrians may be walking in unexpected areas. 
• Don’t drive distracted or impaired. 
• Before making a turn, look in all directions for pedestrians or bicyclists that may be in your path and be aware of potential blind spots. 
• Be especially cautious during poor driving conditions, which can make it difficult to see pedestrians and cyclists. 
• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk, as they may be stopped for pedestrians. 
• Never attempt to “beat the light,” as pedestrians may have already started crossing the road. 
• Consider taking advantage of UK’s campus bus system for trips around campus; this can help reduce traffic congestion. 

Walking remains one of the safest and easiest ways to traverse UK's campus, but precautions are always warranted. By following these simple safety precautions, motor vehicle drivers and pedestrians can safely coexist.