MORGANTOWN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – With West Virginia University’s sprawling campus, students and staff rely on various modes of transportation to get to classes, work, and other activities.
Whether walking, driving, or biking, the WVU Police Department has issued essential safety tips for the campus community to ensure everyone stays safe.
Pedestrian Safety
Use Sidewalks: Whenever possible, stick to sidewalks. If there are none, walk facing traffic and maintain a safe distance.
Cross Smartly: Always use marked crosswalks and obey traffic signals. If no crosswalks are available, choose a well-lit area where you can see and be seen clearly by oncoming traffic. Be patient and only cross when it’s safe.
Stay Alert: Never assume drivers see you. Make sure all vehicles, including those turning, are aware of your intention to cross.
Heads Up, Phones Down: Avoid distractions like phones or loud music while walking, especially when crossing streets.
Visibility at Night: Wear bright clothing and stick to well-lit areas when walking after dark.
Avoid Obstructions: Don’t step into traffic from behind parked cars or other barriers.
Driver Safety
Follow Traffic Signals: Obey all traffic lights and signals. Never rush through yellow lights.
Yield to Pedestrians: Always be prepared to stop for pedestrians, especially in crosswalks.
Use Caution: Be extra careful in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, during bad weather, and at night.
Stay Focused: Never drive under the influence or while distracted, whether by phones or headphones.
Bicycle Safety
Wear a Helmet: Morgantown city law requires cyclists to wear helmets. Doing so significantly reduces the severity of injuries in accidents.
Obey Traffic Laws: Ride with the flow of traffic, following all the same rules as cars. Use bike lanes when available.
Be Visible: Don’t assume drivers or pedestrians can see you. Wear bright colors during the day and reflective gear at night. Be mindful of vehicle blind spots, especially with larger vehicles.
Lock Your Bike: Always secure your bike with a U-lock when storing it in public. Consider adding a tracking device and register your bike with UPD to help recover it if stolen.
For more information about campus safety and to stay informed about emergencies, visit the WVU Police Department’s website.
