As the semester continues, it’s easy to get caught up in busy schedules, conversations with friends, or scrolling on your phone while walking across campus. But staying aware of your surroundings is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep yourself safe. 

Whether you’re heading to class, grabbing food, or just enjoying the weather, keeping your eyes up and earbuds low can help you notice what’s happening around you. 

Remember: 

• Follow traffic signals and signs. Even if the street looks clear, cars, bikes, and scooters may move faster than you expect, and drivers might not always see you right away, especially as it begins to get darker earlier.
• Wait for the walk signal and cross with the flow of traffic. When crossing at a marked crosswalk with traffic control signals, pedestrians should only cross when they have the “walk” signal. Crossing the street with other pedestrians in the designated area gives you extra protection and helps keep everyone moving safely together.
• Use crosswalks. Cutting across the street outside of a designated crossing may feel like a short cut, but it increases your risk and can cause confusion for drivers. Crosswalks are designed to make you more visible, especially in high-traffic areas around campus.

Your safety is our top priority, and a few extra steps can go a long way in keeping you and our community safe. Thanks for being #HawkeyeSafe!