Campus buzzing again as students, staff and faculty settle into another busy academic year at Brock. With thousands of people walking, cycling and driving across campus every day, safety is a shared responsibility.

“Staying alert and aware of your surroundings plays an important role in preventing  incidents and injury,” says Director of Campus Safety Services Donna Moody. “Whether behind the wheel, on foot or navigating a busy parking lot, small actions can make a big difference in keeping our community safe.”

Crosswalk safety tips

Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and allow them to fully cross before slowly entering the intersection.

People crossing the street should do so at a designated crosswalk, waiting to enter the crosswalk until approaching vehicles have come to a complete stop. Making eye contact with drivers can ensure both parties understand each other’s intentions.

Pedestrians should put away their phones while crossing streets or walking in parking lots and avoid wearing headphones or earbuds to allow full awareness of their surroundings.

Parking lot safety tips

Parking lots present another area of high interaction between drivers and pedestrians.

It’s important to be mindful of walkers, runners and cyclists when entering or exiting lots and backing out of spaces. Drivers should always be on the lookout for movement, as people may step out from between or behind parked vehicles.

Pedestrians walking in parking lots must stay aware of vehicles, as drivers may be focused on finding a parking spot. In a paid lot, purchase parking in advance or via the app before leaving the car to avoid the unnecessary distraction of looking at a phone screen while walking.

Driving safety tips

“Creating a safer campus environment starts with everyday choices and that also includes vehicle speed while on and around Brock campus,” says Director of Health, Safety and Wellness James Iseghayan.

Drivers are required to follow the posted speed limit. To provide additional visual awareness, the University has two digital feedback signs that detect and display real-time speed. These portable signs are currently located near the Rosalind Blauer Centre for Child Care (located on Isaac Brock Circle adjacent to Lot 3) and Lot B. Heightened diligence around the childcare centre helps protect Brock’s youngest community members.

Beyond travelling at the recommended speed, staying focused is equally important for safeguarding everyone who uses campus roads, parking lots and walkways.

While driving in Ontario, it is illegal to:

• Use a phone or other hand-held wireless communication device to text or dial while driving other than to call ambulance, police or fire services.
• Use a hand-held electronic entertainment device, such as a tablet or portable gaming console.
• Have a display screen visible that is not related to driving, such as a computer.
• Program a global positioning system (GPS) on a cell phone or hand-held communication device, except by voice commands.