Driving and Vehicle Safety

Driving safely on a college campus always calls for extra awareness – large groups of pedestrians crossing the street, cars entering and exiting multiple parking lots, and the presence of utility vehicles and delivery trucks are just a few of the situations that a driver encounters every day on a college campus.

• Always give driving your full attention — avoid eating, drinking, cellphone use, and other distractions while driving 
• Follow all campus traffic signs — fully stop at stop signs, yield to pedestrians, and follow posted traffic patterns
• Do not exceed the posted speed limit on campus roads when driving a vehicle
• Drive at speeds safe for the conditions – slow down during large campus events such as athletic events and concerts, class change times, poor weather including rain, ice, and snow, and during evening and early morning hours.
• Yield to pedestrians at all times
• Share the road: be mindful of bikers and skateboarders
• Do not park in or impede access to crosswalks, fire hydrants, bus stops or fire lanes
• Only park in designated parking spots in lots you are authorized to park in
• Immediately report any accidents or unsafe behaviors to University Police

• Wear your seatbelt. It's the law.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Have keys in hand before you reach your vehicle and check the interior of your vehicle before entering it.
• Always lock door after entering or leaving your car.
• If you believe you are being followed, do not drive home. Stay on busy streets and drive to a public place or police station.
• If your car breaks down, open the hood and attach a white cloth to the antenna or display a commercially available help sign requesting road service or police assistance. If someone stops to help, stay locked in your car and ask them to call the police or a garage.
• For assistance with lockouts and dead batteries on campus, call University Police at 645-2222.
• Use a steering wheel lock to prevent your car from theft and a locking gas cap to prevent fuel thefts.
• Mount your stereo or CB bracket which allows removal of the unit when you leave the vehicle. Store the item in the trunk.
• Designated parking lots are available for students during breaks.