It’s hard to believe summer is more than halfway done, and back-to-school shopping for a new school year is right around the corner. Even so, there’s enough summer left to still be mindful of some safety points particular to warm weather and increased outdoor activity.
The topic this time is safety on and around roadways.
Traffic Safety:
- When driving, go slow and stay alert – especially in parking lots.
- Always fasten your seatbelt when driving.
- Check your surroundings before you pull out of a parking stall, turn, or change lanes.
- Obey the rules of the road, drive the speed limit, and come to a full stop at stop signs.
- Be alert for other drivers, bicycles, and pedestrians.
Bicycles
- Don’t ride on the sidewalk, as you’re less visible to motorists when crossing streets.
- Ride in the same direction as vehicles.
- Use a headlight. At night, it’s required by law; during the day, it can make you more noticeable to other vehicles on the road.
- Look behind you and signal before turning right or left.
- Pass vehicles on the left. Drivers often don’t expect anything to be on their right when they make right turns, and bicyclists are very hard to see for left-turning oncoming traffic.
- Use caution when riding in parking lots. Children on lower bikes are especially hard to see in parking lots, and sudden movements into traffic can be very dangerous.
Pedestrians
- Use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible. SPECIAL NOTE: Lake Mendota Drive is not well-suited for pedestrian traffic, as the tight curves and heavy foliage obscure views.
- Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
- Do not make sudden moves into the road. Be visible and in expected areas like sidewalks and crosswalks.
- If you must walk in the roadway, walk against traffic so you can see cars coming and make eye contact with drivers.
Summer is way more enjoyable when everyone is safe and able to enjoy our beautiful Wisconsin weather. Have fun out there!
Jeff Kirchman
University Apartments Community Police Officer
608-264-2677 | jkirchman@wisc.edu
University Apartments Community Center, Room 131