Issue date: 8/17/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Steve Berry A motorist waits as a cyclist passes through a crosswalk on South University Drive. Director of Administrative Services Bob Vanzo said pedestrians and cyclists should wait for vehicles to stop before entering a crosswalk.

For students returning to SIUE, the new semester brings new experiences. Along with that, each semester brings the responsibility of being safe while on campus.

One major security concern comes from a seemingly harmless activity most students will do every day: crossing the street.

For new students, this may sound ridiculous. While it may seem there is nothing menacing about walking across a few lanes of traffic, returning may remember that sometimes it feels more like a game of "Frogger" than a simple walk to class.

SIUE alumnus Melissa Corbin remembers the game very well.

"It was the thing I hated the most about campus," Corbin said. "You can never tell if people are going to stop."

Corbin also said she was often unsure of who had the right of way and how to cross safely.

The university is working to alleviate the confusion of the crosswalk. According to Director of Administrative Services Bob Vanzo, an informational video will be shown in residence halls during move-in days and is also available to view on the parking services Web site at admin.siue.edu/parking/.

"The video is done tongue-in-cheek," Vanzo said. "It is meant to be humorous."

Although the video is meant to be entertaining, it is also meant to deliver an important message.

According to Vanzo, one thing people may not know is that, in crosswalks where there are two lanes of traffic in each direction, motorists are required to wait until the pedestrian clears both lanes, not just one.

Motorists not following the rules will be given moving violations, which can affect insurance rates and points against a person's license.

Another common mistake is the fault of the pedestrian.

"Do not step in a crosswalk and think that (traffic) will stop," Vanzo said. "Yes, (pedestrians) have the right of way, but that doesn't mean motorist will stop."

Continued...

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