Spring Safety Around Campus

Catarina Cercone '23 ~ April 2022

Although nearly everyone is looking forward to spring walks to local coffee shops on Elmwood Avenue, it is important for Nardin students to be aware of their safety. As temperatures increase, so will the number of walkers, joggers, cyclists, and students on city streets. This uptick of outdoor activity comes with the responsibility of pedestrians and motor vehicles to remain alert.

Remaining alert, visible, and careful when crossing a street are only a few important measures to take when walking safely. Many Nardin students have safety tips of their own that they practice when walking off campus. Junior Emily Ledesma, suggested that using the crosswalk signal is often helpful.

“I always use it when crossing busy intersections at the appropriate time,” Ledesma said.

Although the signal tells a pedestrian to cross at a certain time, it is important to still look both ways before crossing the street in the event of a careless driver.

It is crucial for pedestrians to be alert when walking. Katie Connors, a junior, advised the importance of avoiding distractions while walking and crossing a street.

“I put my phone away when walking,” Connors said.

When walking and texting, a pedestrian is at a higher risk of tripping and falling, crossing roads unsafely, and the possibility of drifting into the street or in another walker’s way. However, if a person’s attention is not on their phones but on their surroundings, they are more likely to avoid an accident.

Although many walk alone to or from school, it is safest to walk with a friend. Alexis Danner '23 makes certain that she always has a friend to walk with.

“Walking with friends makes me feel safer when crossing a busy intersection, or when the Elmwood Avenue sidewalks become crowded with people,” Danner said.

It is always best to have a friend with you in the event of an emergency situation.

So, as Spring fever hits, following these few safety precautions will allow students to have a safe and enjoyable time when venturing around the Nardin neighborhood.

Title Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/women-walking-park-students-7114052/ by Surprising_Shots, Pixabay