Spring Tips From Campus Security & Public Safety

By- Judy Miller, Patrol Officer

With the warmer weather and the 2017-18 school year coming to a close, Campus Security & Public Safety would like to remind everyone of a few tips to keep us all safe.

 

Following the rules of the road is important. It is seen daily across campus, students walking between classes and unfortunately, in the roadway. This is dangerous behavior especially with vehicles attempting to travel down a road or turning onto it. When students wearing headphones or are so engaged in their phone they fail to hear approaching vehicles or other hazards especially when crossing at a marked intersection. Even if one motorist stops, never assume drivers in the other lanes can see you and will stop. An average vehicle weight is 3500 lbs and at the posted speed of 25mph needs approximately 70 feet to stop. Be smart and be alert. Did you know skateboards actually fit into the definition of pedestrian in Washington’s traffic laws?  Whether you are on a skateboard, roller skates, pogo stick or a red wagon, you are a pedestrian in the eyes of the law and must obey traffic signals and signs just as a pedestrian would. A bicycle is a legal road vehicle, just as a car, and riders have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers (RCW 46.61.755). State law and common sense require that bicyclists drive like other vehicles.

 

Parking enforcement started a new program the fall of 2017 with the T2 Parking system. This system allows the department more control over the available parking across campus by managing permits and citations. All information is stored in a database that officers use via a mobile device in the field. Officers have the ability to run a plate and permit for parking compliance across University owned streets and lots. GU student citations that remain unpaid for 60 days may result in a hold on a student account until the fines are paid. If the student plans to return the following fall, they will be required to pay any outstanding fines before they are able to purchase a new parking permit.

 

One last thing to remind everyone of is end of year move out. While students and families are hauling items from the resident hall to the vehicle, they tend to leave vehicle doors and trunks open which is a prime opportunity for thieves to steal from them. Doors to residence halls are often found to be propped open by students which gives full access to anyone walking thru the area. Items unattended can be stolen within seconds. In addition, vehicles packed and left in the lots are susceptible to vehicle prowls day or night. If it looks like it is of value, they will not hesitate to break a window or try a door to gain access to take it. If possible, do not leave any personal belongings unattended in vehicles.