Driving Safely at SDSU

While it’s easy to be distracted by what’s going to be on the quiz in your next class, or by searching for the perfect parking spot, your number one priority should be what’s happening on the road. It is especially important to be an alert driver when navigating a heavy traffic area such as a college campus.

Multi-tasking is a great skill, but it has no purpose when driving a car. Drivers should refrain from using a cell phone, studying flash cards, eating breakfast, or applying makeup when behind the wheel.

Did You Know…

• The majority of collisions that occur in the campus parking structures are primarily due to speeding. The campus speed limit is 15 miles per hour.
• The leading cause of on-campus collisions is “driver inattention”; more specifically, using a cell phone while driving.
• A driver using his/her cell phone is just as impaired as a driver with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 -- which is the same blood-alcohol level of someone weighing 140 lbs. who has just consumed three alcoholic drinks, according to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• NHTSA cites “drowsiness” as a significant problem among drivers that increases a driver’s risk of a collision or near-collision by a minimum of four times.
• Campus locations to exercise extra caution: parking structures, the College Avenue and Interstate 8 intersection, the College Avenue and Montezuma Road intersection.

Driving Safely on Campus Streets

• Abide by the campus speed limit, 15 miles per hour, at all times.
• Do not attempt to multi-task and drive.
• Know which area you’re planning to park in before arriving to campus.
• If you’re running late to class, simply accept the fact. Speeding and driving recklessly will only increase your chances of a collision.

The SDSU Police Department reminds us that safety is a community effort. If you see any suspicious activities and/or persons on campus, immediately call (619) 594-1991.

@State would like to thank University Police Sergeant Josh Mays for contributing to this article.

More information for campus commuters.