Pedestrian Safety Month: Everyone is a Pedestrian

October is Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Clemson University Police Department (CUPD) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration want to remind you that, at one time or another, everyone is a pedestrian. When drivers maintain safe speeds and practice other safe driving behaviors, safer walking environments are created for you, your loved ones and others in your community.

8 Safety Tips for Drivers

1. Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
2. Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
3. Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
4. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
5. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can't see.
6. Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
7. Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
8. Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians.

8 Walking Safety Tips

1. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
2. Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
3. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
4. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
5. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
6. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
7. Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
8. Embrace walking as a healthy form of transportation - get up, get out and get moving.

Pedestrian safety reminders at Clemson

• The speed limit on all campus roads is 15 mph unless otherwise posted.
• Individuals riding bicycles, e-scooters and other micro-mobility devices must obey the same traffic laws as drivers. Always yield to pedestrians and never ride against traffic.
  • If riding in the City of Clemson, follow city ordinances and adhere to dismount zones.
• Golf carts must adhere to the same traffic laws as cars. Use hand signals and yield to pedestrians.
• Be patient when driving through campus, especially during class change times with high pedestrian traffic.

For more tips, resources and information on Pedestrian Safety Month, visit NHTSA.gov