Many students have stepped in front of traffic while crossing the road, according to Karie Larimer, aide to the director of security.

“Students need to be aware of their surroundings when crossing the roads around campus,” Larimer said. “They need to remove ear buds and not be talking on the phone while crossing the road.”

The security office sent an email to students Sept. 11 reminding them to look out for oncoming traffic while crossing the streets on campus, and to abide by the Michigan law which gives right-of-way to vehicles. 

The email warned there have already been a few “close calls,” and said that many drivers have contacted the college about students walking to Hayden Park on Barber Drive.

The email also informed students that cars have the right of way on all roads under Michigan law and to stay on paved sidewalks, wear bright colors, and run with a friend.

Students had differing reactions to the security office’s email. 

Sophomore Carter Brett, a student from New York, said students shouldn’t cross the road so slowly to avoid being hit by a car. 

“You have to be able to cross the street quickly enough,” Brett said. “You can pretty much guess where someone is from based on how they cross the road.” 

Sophomore Anna MacPhee said she is cautious because she realizes Michigan right-of-way laws differ from those in her home state of Colorado.

“I am super hesitant to cross,” MacPhee said. “I usually won’t cross until there’s nobody coming for about a mile.” MacPhee said many students are more cautious and wait a long time before crossing the road. 

“My roommate says she’s late for class sometimes because she’ll stand there forever waiting for the cars to go by,” MacPhee said.