Be more cautious on Hillsdale Street.

The only thing scarier than operating a vehicle on Hillsdale Street is being a pedestrian on Hillsdale Street. Fate isn’t on your side either way.

In the past few weeks, there have been a handful of accidents that have taken place at various intersections along some of the main hubs near campus. Thankfully, none have ended fatally or with serious injuries, but the quantity of mishaps is reaching dangerous levels.

The strip of Hillsdale Street that hugs the far east side of campus is the riskiest. Driving up over the hill often results in higher speeds and more blind spots, making it an easy place for accidents to happen. Drivers should be extra careful of the speed limit and the various crosswalks that break up the blocks nearest to campus.

As the infamous Michigan winter looms, environmental factors are also about to increase chances for accidents. Though more intersections like that of Fayette and West street would benefit from complete four-way stops, it’s not likely city changes will occur any time soon. Students should be more careful of crossing the street, especially if they wear headphones or stare at their phones while walking. Drivers should increase stopping distance, double-check before making turns, and do their best to be aware of surrounding traffic. 

Per Michigan law, motorists have to yield to pedestrians who are on the same half of the roadway as the approaching vehicle. If pedestrians are on the curb or in areas not clearly designated as crosswalks, they technically don’t have the right of way. But seeing as one party in this equation is operating a couple thousand pounds of metal and the other, maybe a couple hundred pounds of flesh, everyone would benefit from taking a second look. 

It seems self-explanatory: look both ways before walking, drive the speed limit, be a defensive driver. These are lessons we learn as children and when we first get our licenses. But it’s clear right now we might need a refresher.