EDITORIAL: The number of times I have seen students jaywalk, specifically on Long Road, the busiest road on campus, is unbelievable. Drivers, on the other hand, lack patience and speed past crosswalks without a second thought for pedestrians. The University of Maine is also responsible for the insufficient enforcement of existing road safety measures.
The fall semester has just started, and so far, two pedestrians have been hit by vehicles on campus. The first incident happened on Sept. 9 when a student hit a university employee. The second incident occurred on Sept. 16 when an employee struck a student.
These two accidents are tragic, and sadly, they are not the only ones to have occurred on campus. I remember a similar incident on April 19, 2024, during my first year when I witnessed the aftermath of a student who was hit by a van belonging to the UMaine Printing and Mailing Services on Long Road.
Although the individuals in these accidents only suffered minor injuries, failing to adhere to these safety precautions in the future could lead to more serious consequences such as death or hefty fines.
Now in my third year, I have noticed that the number of pedestrian collisions has continued to rise. What is going on with both drivers and pedestrians? What happened to staying alert and aware of your surroundings?
When I cross the street, particularly on Long Road during rush hour or at night, I always use designated crosswalks, carefully check for any incoming vehicles such as cars, bikes or scooters from all directions, put my phone away to minimize distraction and remain patient if drivers don’t immediately yield for me to cross. I recommend that others do the same.
Despite the possibility of unforeseen circumstances such as a momentary lapse in judgment, extreme weather conditions, sudden vehicle mechanical failures or unexpected road work, it is critical to consistently follow road safety measures by maintaining safe driving and crossing behaviors to the best of your ability.
A simple solution to address this issue and reduce the likelihood of another accident is essentially using common sense: Both drivers and pedestrians need to look both ways before proceeding.
It is also crucial for drivers to remain sober, have patience and drive within the speed limit. Pedestrians need to use designated crosswalks and can also signal their intention to cross by making eye contact with drivers to ensure they are seen so they have the time to stop.
UMaine must also reassess current road safety regulations because they are inadequate. Additionally, there needs to be stricter enforcement of rules regarding jaywalking and speeding. Another option is installing additional lampposts near crosswalks located in poorly lit areas, which could significantly increase the safety of both drivers and pedestrians, particularly at night or during harsh weather conditions.
Proper and effective road safety requires cooperation from all parties involved. Yet, even with UMaine’s enforcement efforts, the underlying issue lies in the failure of both drivers and pedestrians to adhere to road safety measures, despite being legally obligated to do so. If they did, there would be no need for stricter enforcement of these rules.
