Auburn, Ala. (EETV) - Auburn University and the City of Auburn are again partnering for the Travel With Care campaign. The partnership has been active for a number of years to educate the community on the rules of the road.
Regulations on campus and city roadways may surprise newcomers to the Auburn area. The following information was compiled from the City of Auburn, Auburn University and the "Know When To Go" campaign.
Pedestrians:
As a pedestrian, you’re the most vulnerable traveler, which is why it’s so important you practice safe and courteous habits on the road. Pay attention to your surroundings and give nonverbal signals to the drivers and bicyclists around you to let them know where you’re headed. Be an intelligent pedestrian, not an entitled one.
We’ve all heard of jaywalking – crossing the street outside of a crosswalk – but did you know when a crosswalk isn’t available, it’s only legal to cross the street at an intersection? Go the extra mile to ensure your safety next time you cross the street. Always use a crosswalk any time one is present, even if you have to walk farther down the street to reach it. When there isn’t a designated crosswalk, cross the street only at an intersection once your path is clear of oncoming traffic.
As a pedestrian, in the City of Auburn and on Auburn University’s campus, you only have the right-of-way at a crosswalk in two situations: when a traffic signal grants you permission to cross and when you have enough time to cross the street without causing an approaching vehicle to slow down. Drivers and cyclists are only required to stop for pedestrians who are already within a crosswalk, not just approaching or waiting at one, except when the vehicle is already stopped, such as at a stop sign or an all-way stop intersection!
Bicyclists:
How many times have you seen a bicyclist and thought, “Get on the sidewalk where you belong!” In reality, in downtown Auburn and on Auburn University’s campus, bicycling on the sidewalk is illegal. Remember, bicycles are legally vehicles! Dismount and walk your bicycle when you’re on the sidewalk or in a crosswalk. Collisions between bicyclists and pedestrians happen more often than those between bicyclists and drivers.
Most drivers are more scared of hitting a bicyclist than they are of hitting another car! As a bicyclist, it’s up to you to make sure you ride your bicycle in a way that makes others around you comfortable.
As a bicyclist, you have all the same rights as a driver does because your bicycle is legally a vehicle. This means that bicyclists must ride with traffic the same way that drivers do, and running a red light or stop sign is still illegal. Obey all traffic signs, and do not weave in and out of traffic. Be respectful to other commuters on the road.
Not wearing a helmet is just as foolish as not wearing a seat belt. The majority of bicycle fatalities involve a bicyclist who wasn’t wearing a helmet. The law requires bicyclists under the age of 16 to wear a helmet, but it’s a smart decision for bicyclists of all ages. Don’t put your life at risk for a fashion statement- Wear a helmet!
Bicycling at night is something that many bicyclists enjoy, but it’s important to be safe while you do it! The law requires bicycle to have a front light and rear reflector when being ridden at night. Take your safety one step further by equipping your bicycle with a rear red light and an additional, flashing front headlight. The flashing light will help others travelers to recognize you as a moving object, not a street light. Riding without a light can lead to serious collisions!
Drivers:
It’s easy to see why vehicles are the powerhouses of the road — most people choose a vehicle as their primary mode of transportation. BUT, as the captain of your car, it’s your duty to act responsibly behind the wheel. Drive like your family is in the car, in the crosswalk or on the bicycle next to you!
Whether you’re texting, eating, putting on makeup or fiddling with the radio, distracted driving is dangerous driving. Pay attention to your surroundings and keep your eyes on the road. And don’t forget – texting while in control of a vehicle is illegal in Alabama. Even texting while stopped at traffic signals can earn you a ticket.
In the City of Auburn, drivers must leave a safe distance of 3 feet or more when passing a bicyclist. Put yourself in the bicyclist’s seat—a few feet can mean the difference between riding confidently and fearing for your life. Practicing safe passing not only makes our roads safer but also shows respect to your fellow travelers.
Checking for oncoming traffic isn’t enough when turning at intersections. We are often so focused on whether our lane is clear of other vehicles that we don’t notice the bicyclist coming up behind us in a bicycle lane or the pedestrian stepping off the median or sidewalk. Always check your blind spots before turning, and keep a close eye out for pedestrians who may be crossing the street.
So how much do you know about traffic laws in Auburn? Take the quiz below, you could win a prize!
Travel with Care 2017 Campaign Quiz
Thank you for your interest in this quiz. As part of the 2017 Travel With Care transportation safety campaign, this quiz will ask you about your transportation habits, your opinion about transportation (e.g. driving, bicycling, walking or riding a transit) safety in Auburn as well as your understanding of general traffic laws and regulations.
