Longwood Cracks Down on Jaywalkers

By Lindsay Smith
Rotunda Reporter"Look both ways before crossing the street!" All children heard it from their parents while running out the door to catch the school bus. While many may have rolled their eyes, pedestrians should follow the advice that we attempt to ingrain into the youngest of children - look both ways before attempting to cross the street. Longwood has started the new Pedestrian Awareness Program. headed by Officer Mike Collins, to educate students, faculty, staff and the community about pedestrian safety.

Longwood's campus police decided to start the program after noticing that both pedestrians and motorists were consistently disobeying Virginia's law. The Virginia Crime and Traffic Manual states the driver of any vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian crossing a highway at any clearly marked crosswalk. Although pedestrians clearly have the right-of-way, they must still take responsibility for their own safety. The pedestrian must look both ways before attempting to cross a street, and all crossings should be marked in crosswalks. Crossing a street in the middle of a block where there is no designated crosswalk is flirting with disaster.

Collins has noticed students not using crosswalks, and this presents a safety issue. A popular spot for this is the intersection at Redford Street by McDonalds. Students tend to walk diagonally across the street, often ignoring traffic signals.

"I will usually jet across that road [Redford Street] and hope I make it to the other side in one piece," said sophomore Amy Kirkland. Collins noted that he has observed students not using the crosswalks when crossing Race Street returning to campus from the athletic fields.

Kirkland, a Longwood cheerleader, said, "Some cheerleaders like to listen to their iPods during our morning runs. They could easily not hear a car coming up from behind them." Kirkland also noted that while running the squad does use the designated crosswalks.

"There could be more enforcement of the speed limit in the neighborhoods," said sophomore Chrissy Kingen, a resident of Lancer Park. She said she often walks back to her apartment and notices that cars are speeding past her. Collins noted that the Pedestrian Awareness Program aims to educate drivers also. If an officer comes across a driver putting a pedestrian in danger he or she will be stopped. Drivers are urged to take appropriate care in crowded areas or school zones for the potential that a pedestrian will enter the roadway. "It's a shared responsibility; however, I feel as if the pedestrian is better able to avoid an accident. As a driver, I do my best to be aware of my surroundings and keep my eyes on potential pedestrian risks," said sophomore Ben Brittain.

While officers have begun stopping people for jaywalking they are not issuing tickets quite yet. "The goal is not to sit there and write a whole bunch of tickets. We have crosswalks all over this campus that people should utilize," said Collins. The officers will conduct stops and simply inform the citizen of what they are doing wrong. They will also educate them on pedestrian safety tips. The Department of Motor Vehicles recommends that pedestrians wear light colors so motorist can see them. Always use crosswalks whenever possible and remember to look left, look right and look left again before crossing a street.

Also, drinking and walking can be as dangerous as drinking and driving, as a person who has been drinking may not be aware of surroundings and may walk in front of traffic. If officers notice that the issue is not improving Collins said they will begin issuing tickets to both pedestrians and motorists.

When a pedestrian is struck by several thousand pounds of metal and glass, even a low-speed collision carries a high potential for serious or catastrophic injury, or even death. Since 2003 Prince Edward County (which includes Farmville) has reported five fatalities due to pedestrian/automobile collisions. Collins also noted that in 2007 accidents involving pedestrians accounted for only two percent of the injuries in Virginia. However, these accidents caused eight percent of the fatalities statewide. "It is clear that you are not going to win a battle with a car," said Collins.

With the Longwood Police Department putting more emphasis on pedestrian safety they hope to decrease the potential for injury. While this is just an educational program, it is important to keep in mind that there are laws in the state of Virginia dealing with jaywalking and other topics surrounding pedestrian safety. While Collins has yet to issue tickets other officers have. It is in the hands of both pedestrians and motorists to help make this program a success. The Longwood Police Department is hoping that their increased efforts will keep students, faculty, staff and community members safe around town.