With the fall semester underway, a reminder has been issued for individuals to slow down while driving and observe their surroundings as pedestrians. Increased congestion and more vehicles, utility carts, and pedestrian traffic on campus necessitate heightened caution and attention to safety.
Pedestrians are advised to be aware of their surroundings, watch for the unexpected, avoid congested campus areas, drive within the posted speed limit, eliminate distractions while driving, and pass bicyclists and utility carts with care.
High-intensity activated crosswalks have been installed along University Avenue and other areas as pedestrian crosswalks. Drivers should proceed normally when the lights are not on. If a yellow light is flashing, they should prepare to stop. Flashing red lights indicate that drivers should treat the location as if there is a stop sign—stop and allow pedestrians to go through the crosswalk. Once clear, drivers at the front may proceed; subsequent drivers should pull up to the stop line, come to a complete stop, check that the crosswalk is clear, then proceed. This process continues until the lights turn off.
For those seeking more information on this protocol, it is covered by New Mexico Statute 66-7-107.A(1).
Cycling around campus requires adherence to important safety protocols and laws. NMSU’s police, fire, and Environmental Health Safety and Risk Management departments offer several tips:
- Inspect your bike before riding.
- Obey all signs and traffic laws.
- Ride with the flow of traffic in your lane.
- Wear a helmet.
- Use proper lighting when riding at night.
- Use appropriate signals in congested areas or consider walking your bicycle.
- Be attentive of your surroundings.
NMSU provides a full-service bike shop for repairs. More information about bicycle safety can be found at https://safety.nmsu.edu/campus-safety/bike-safety.html.