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Help us all stay Mountaineer safe: learn about the risks of distracted driving

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According to the National Safety Council, at least nine Americans die and 100 are injured each day in distracted-driving crashes. Cell phones, dashboard touchscreens, voice commands and other in-vehicle technologies pose a threat to our safety, and the consequences of these distractions are not worth the convenience they offer.

April is national Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and in recognition, West Virginia University’s Student Government Association and University Police Department are partnering to host information tables for students, faculty and staff on pedestrian and driver safety from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Tuesday (April 23) and Wednesday (April 24) in the Mountainlair across from the first-floor information center.

Stop by to learn about the dangers of distracted driving and how you can keep yourself and fellow Mountaineers safer on the roads.

While you’re there, be sure to pick up your WVU-branded reflective patches to help drivers better see you at night. The patches are provided via the generous support of the Division of Student Life and the Office of the Provost.

Thanks for doing your part to promote pedestrian and driver safety across our campus community, and we look forward to seeing you at the Mountainlair.

In the meantime, visit the University Police Department website for more information on pedestrian and driver safety. Additionally, here are a few tips on how you can help us all stay Mountaineer safe:

Driver Safety Tips:

  • Always yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk.

  • Slow down during bad weather conditions.

  • Be extra cautious at night – pedestrians can be hard to see.

  • Do not pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk.

  • Never drive under the influence.

  • Obey all traffic lights and signals.

  • Running a red light is never worth the risk.

  • Reduce your speed for yellow traffic lights.

  • Never text and drive.

  • Don’t wear earbuds while driving.

  • Avoid any distractions while driving.

  • Obey all speed limits.

  • Always wear a seatbelt.

Pedestrian Safety Tips:

  • Cross at marked crosswalks and intersections, and obey the signals.

  • Always yield to vehicles and bicycles.

  • Stay to the right and avoid walking in bike lanes.

  • When there are no sidewalks, jog or walk facing traffic.

  • Make eye contact with oncoming drivers and show your intention to cross.

  • Don’t forget to look up from your phone.

  • When walking at night, wear bright colors and stay in well-lit areas.

  • Don’t step into traffic from behind an obstruction.

  • Turn down the volume of your phone.

  • Head up, phone down: hang up while walking.

  • Don’t wear headphones or talk on your phone while crossing a street.

  • Don’t walk and text!

  • Never rely on a car to stop: expect it won’t.