Traffic Safety

Education, Environment, Enforcement
A comprehensive approach to student health and safety

• When traffic-control signals are not in place or not in operation the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.
• No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.
• Whenever any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass such stopped vehicle.

• Keep a Safe Following Distance. A rule to follow is twenty feet for every ten miles per hour from the vehicle in front of you.
• Avoid Multi-tasking while driving. Cell phone use, eating or other activities that distract you can often lead to an accident.
• Reduce your speed when approaching an intersections.  Prepare for the unexpected.
• Never attempt to “beat” the light to make it through an intersection.

Fail To Yield Right-of-Way	$182.00
Improper Lane Uses	$182.00
Improper or Expired Tag	$187.00
Improper Passing	$182.00
Improper Turn	$182.00
No Helmet	$172.00
No Proof of Insurance	$362.00
Running Red Light / Stop Sign	$182.00
Speeding	$182.00
Wrong Way on One Way	$192.00
Fail to Yield to Ped. In Crosswalk	$182.00

The above indicates minimum fine & cost; the actual cost could be more.

       Pedestrians:

• Always cross at marked crosswalks. You may 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 and stops 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.

       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.
• Come to a complete stop if pedestrians are crossing or preparing to cross.

• Duty upon striking unattended vehicle.  Any driver  which collides with any unattended vehicle shall immediately stop and locate and notify the operator /owner of that vehicle, or by leaving your name and address in a conspicuous place on the vehicle.  Contact your local law enforcement when in doubt.
• If through investigation it is found that you left the scene of an accident, you may be issued a traffic citation with a mandatory court date.  If injury or death occurs, felony charges may be brought against you.

On campus conflict between pedestrians, bicyclist and motor vehicle operators is a concern for everyone. With increasing frequency these conflicts result in crashes causing injury and property damage to persons and vehicles involved. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.  In Alabama, bicyclist are required to follow the rules of the road just like motor vehicle operators.

• Alabama Law requires all bicyclist to adhere to the rules of the road when operating on a roadway.  This means stopping for traffic signals and stop signs just as you would if you were driving a vehicle.
• Ride as close as possible to the right of the roadway.
• When a usable bicycle path is located next to a roadway, bicyclist must use the path and not the roadway.
• Bicyclist should refrain from riding on the sidewalks if at all possible.  If riding on a sidewalk, bicyclist must always yield to pedestrians.  When you reach a roadway you intend to cross, it is advisable that you dismount your bicycle and walk in the crosswalk
• Ride defensively—expect the unexpected when approaching side streets or hidden drives; gain eye contact with motorist to be sure they see you.