New safety enforcement campaign for campus community

Dearborn Police will keep a watchful eye and issue citations for drivers (including bicyclists) speeding, driving carelessly or failing to yield to pedestrians lawfully in the crosswalk.

Likewise, police officers will be ticketing pedestrians who violate traffic codes including jaywalking across Evergreen Road, Hubbard Drive, and other nearby roadways. Pedestrians are prohibited from crossing the street or roadway at any point, other than at the crosswalks at intersections; this jaywalking is prohibited in all 50 states. If pedestrians step in front of oncoming traffic without proper right of way, they can be cited for obstructing traffic.

“We are committed to providing a safe environment for everyone at the University of Michigan-Dearborn,” Richard Gordon, director of UM-Dearborn Public Safety, wrote in a campus email Friday afternoon. “While we are excited about the expanding footprint of the campus, we are also aware of safety concerns that must be addressed as a result of increased traffic in and around our campus areas.

“We understand that the newly installed crosswalk on Evergreen Road that leads to The Union at Dearborn is a new feature and will take some time and education to ensure that all those driving along Evergreen and using the crosswalk will do so in a safe manner. State and local traffic laws establish that both drivers and pedestrians have responsibilities when occupying streets. “

This message also provides an opportunity to remind everyone that the speed limit on campus roadways is 15 miles per hour and that the Public Safety Department may issue citations for speeding, failing to yield, and other traffic and pedestrian violations. Traffic and pedestrian violations generally result in a fine ranging from $120 to $240.

Drivers and pedestrians also are reminded to be attentive while traveling: Talking and texting on cell phones while driving and/or walking is distracting and may lead to serious injury.

Additional Crosswalk Safety Tips are presented below. Please take this opportunity to review guidelines for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers:

Whether you walk, bike or drive, take five seconds to follow crosswalk safety guidelines:

Pedestrians:

• Always cross at marked crosswalks. You forfeit your rights as a pedestrian if you cross elsewhere.
• Obey any pedestrian signals and look left-right-left to make sure the road is clear in both directions before crossing.
• If a vehicle approaches, make eye contact with the driver to be sure s/he sees you before you cross.
• Look before walking past stopped vehicles. Do not cross just because a driver waves you on. Be sure all lanes are clear first.
• Remember that bicyclists are not considered pedestrians unless they are walking their bikes. Otherwise, they are considered vehicles.

Bicyclists:

• Yield to pedestrians.
• Remember that bicyclists are not considered pedestrians unless they are walking their bikes. Otherwise, they are considered vehicles and forfeit their rights as pedestrians in the case of an accident or citation.
• Use marked bike paths or multi-use paths when available.
• Obey vehicular traffic signals and laws on the roadways.
• Use extra caution as you transition between bike paths, roads and sidewalks.
• Be aware that your actions are unpredictable to drivers and pedestrians.

Drivers:

• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections.
• Be prepared to stop at all marked crosswalks. Stay alert and reduce speed in areas with crosswalks.
• Be alert for bicyclists and skateboarders whose approaches to the crosswalk may be much swifter than those of pedestrians.
• Come to a complete stop if pedestrians are crossing or preparing to cross.
• Wait until pedestrians have crossed at least one lane past the lane you are in before resuming travel.
• Never pass another vehicle that has stopped or is slowing down at a crosswalk.