This website uses cookies to ensure site visitors get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies and Privacy Statement. To find out more, please visit Southern University's Privacy Statement.

I agree
Campus Police

Pedestrian Safety

As a pedestrian on campus, there are rules and regulations for how to safely navigate streets and sidewalks. Just like cars and bicycles have laws, so do pedestrians. Louisiana Law states that if there is a sidewalk, pedestrians must use the sidewalk and not enter the roadway.  

If a sidewalk is not available, there are additional safety precautions that pedestrians must consider. If there is no sidewalk, a pedestrian should walk or run against oncoming traffic, and be as close to the outside edge of the roadway as possible.  

Know the Basics—Pedestrian Safety
8 Safety Tips for Drivers
  1. Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
  2. Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
  3. Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
  4. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to allow other vehicles to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
  5. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can’t see.
  6. Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
  7. Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, in school zones, and in neighborhoods where children are present.
  8. Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians.
 8 Walking Safety Tips
  1. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
  2. Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
  3. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
  4. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
  5. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
  6. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
  7. Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
  8. Embrace walking as a healthy form of transportation - get up, get out, and get moving.