Morgantown, as well as other congested campuses, is notorious for its driving conditions and heavy pedestrian population. Especially during the winter time, stepping foot outside of your house is a hazard on its own.
Many of us grew up with our parents in our ears, lecturing us to “look both ways!” before crossing the street. Although it seemed like a nagging “mom” kind of thing to do, this rule still applies to life today, especially as a college student.
Life could be gone in an instant, in one of the most unexpected ways, and it’s time we take this matter seriously and educate ourselves.
Most of us don’t think twice before crossing the street, properly using a crosswalk or making the extra effort to yield to pedestrians. Especially on a college campus, it’s so important to be aware of your surroundings.
Ironically, at the one place where mostly walking occurs throughout the day, pedestrian safety is rarely prioritized. Naturally, when an accident or disaster occurs within a small community, we come together to mourn and promise a change – but how often does that change carry out?
Morgantown and other highly populated college towns need a change. Student safety is advertised as an utmost priority among universities, so why not pay more attention to road conditions when walking is the most common form of transportation at colleges?
Not only are the steep, icy hills an issue in Morgantown, but the lack of funding towards proper crosswalk systems, sidewalks and lighting is a huge issue. Within other campuses, many of us are not aware of the different crosswalk systems, or where the most dangerous areas are on campus to avoid.
For example, the “concurrent” crosswalk system used in most congested intersections can potentially be dangerous if both the driver and the pedestrian aren’t careful. The concurrent system gives the “go-ahead” to pedestrians while still giving opposing traffic a green light. This means the chances of a pedestrian being hit while a vehicle is making a right or left turn greatly increases.
This particular system is common in Morgantown, and quite frankly outdated and dangerous. Although it gets vehicle traffic moving smoother, walking students are at a higher risk. This is just one example where funding and help are needed to improve safety on campuses.
In order for pedestrian safety to be in effect, both drivers and walkers must work hand-in-hand to keep campuses accident-free. Every day, approximately 660,000 drivers will attempt to use their phones behind the wheel – teenagers being the largest culprit of that statistic.
“Drivers and pedestrians need to communicate cooperatively.” Said Matthew Cross, Chairman of Morgantown’s Pedestrian Safety Board.
Life can be lost from easily as running a red light or crossing the street with headphones in, it’s never expected to happen until it does happen.
Pedestrian safety needs to be prioritized. Take the time to carefully look around at pedestrians and drivers during busy hours. You will be amazed at the number of potential accidents and violations of the law.
Most campuses have a volunteer-based pedestrian safety board or club – check it out for yourself! To see West Virginia University’s volunteer-based bored, click here.