Pedestrian
Safety
CROSSING
AREA ROADWAYS
The Department
of Public Safety wants our community members and visitors to be
safe. This pages addresses issues regarding crossing of roadways,
particularly the town and state roads abutting the campus.
State Law Regarding
Motorists Yielding to Pedestrians
Massachusetts
Law requires motorists yield to pedestrians when they are in marked
crosswalks. However, you are responsible for your own safety; if
vehicles fail to yield, wait until it is safe to cross.
- It is important
for pedestrians to be aware that where "another control"
is present (i.e., a traffic light), vehicles must
only yield when they are signalled by the light to stop.
Community members should be aware of this as there are two traffic
lights at crosswalks on Route 116 in front of the College. If
you are crossing at one of these crosswalks, for your safety,
please cross only when the pedestrian
crossing signal indicates to do so, and if traffic stops.
- Motorists
are not required to stop for pedestrians crossing roadways when
they are not within a crosswalk. For your safety, please use crosswalks
whenever possible.
-
- If you notice
the traffic lights are not functioning properly, contact Public
Safety (x2304) who will in turn notify the town. When you need
to cross where a traffic control is not functioning, use the same
care you would use where no traffic control is present.
-
- SAFETY
TIPS:
- Be particularly
aware that at twilight and during hours of darkness, it is very
difficult for motorists to see pedestrians, even in lit areas.
If you wear dark clothing, be even more cautious as you cross
roadways, even in a crosswalk, and even if the light directs you
to cross. So, wear light-colored clothing and be alert to vehicles
as you cross the road, especially after dark.
- If you cross
where vehicles are parked or other obstructions exist, be aware
that other motorists may not be able to see around the cars or
obstructions; be especially careful when crossing, and use a crosswalk
with better visibility if possible.
- REMINDER:
- Remember
that, despite state law, you are most responsible for your own
safety. Even though a motorist who fails to yield could be cited
by police if they hit you, this does not make up for the injuries
you may receive; please be safe when crossing roads.
-
-
- ONLINE RESOURCES
- Department
of Transportation Pedestrian Safety Roadshow
-
- WALKING ON
CAMPUS OR LOCAL ROADS
- Use sidewalks
whenever possible.
- Walk against
the traffic flow (i.e., on the left side of the road) so you can
see traffic.
- Wear light-colored
or reflective clothing when walking at night.
- When walking
with friends, walk in single file when traffic approaches.
- Be alert
to traffic and be prepared to move out of the roadway if necessary.
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