Crosswalk safety on and around the UTSW campus

The Southwestern Medical District is a busy area, so please remember to use “street smarts” to stay safe while using crosswalks. Here are some helpful safety tips to keep you safe when crossing streets on and around campus.

Where to cross

• Use designated pedestrian crosswalks. Do not cross outside of a crosswalk. Designated areas to cross the street safely are intersections and marked pedestrian crossings.
• Always use the pedestrian push button. This will activate the crossing signal, providing additional time to safely cross the street. Wait until the “Walk” signal illuminates, and stay aware of the timer counting down.

Head up, phone down – and look before you leap

• Put away your phone or any other distractions that can draw your attention away from the road.
• Completely stop at the curb and follow these steps: Look left, right, and then left again for traffic in both directions. Wait for traffic in all lanes to completely stop before crossing.
• Make eye contact with drivers. Never assume that vehicles will stop for you. Eye contact may help ensure drivers are aware of your intention to cross.
• Stay aware of vehicles turning left or right, or even behind you because those drivers may not see you in their blind spots.

Be seen

• Be bright at night or in low-light conditions. Wear bright or reflective clothing or use the flashlight function on your cell phone to increase your visibility to drivers.