Purdue pedestrians speak up on safety

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - After a string of car versus pedestrian accidents on the Purdue campus, News Channel 18 asked people whether drivers or walkers seemed to be more at fault.

For most people, the answer was that drivers and walkers both need to pay more attention. As one cleverly said, "The road goes both ways."

"I would say that the pedestrian needs to be smarter and needs to look and see if there is a car coming, and if there is, not cross," said senior Kristen Laratta.

"As a driver it's ultimately your responsibility to make sure you don't hit somebody crossing the road," said engineering professor Mark French.

"Some people don't pay attention when they're driving, texting or talking on the phone," said graduate student Oscar Morales. "And the same goes for people that are walking by."

For some, walking can't happen without talking. News Channel 18 watched as one student texted her way down the street. She passed a crosswalk, then jaywalked only a few yards away from it.

"Yesterday I was driving along and someone walked in front of me so I stopped, let them go by and kept going, and I don't think they ever knew I was there," French said.

"To be honest, I sort of think the implementation of the really visible crosswalk has made the students think they're even safer, when they really might not be," said senior Aaron Goggan.

Along one stretch of Northwestern Avenue in the Village area, pedestrians have three different rules of crossing the street.

• On North Avenue, drivers have the right-of-way, even though there's a crosswalk.
• Just a block later, at Columbia Street, a marked crosswalk gives pedestrians the right-of-way.
• Then at the next intersection at State Street, pedestrians have to wait for a walk sign before they can cross.

"I mean, there's a crosswalk here, but the cars won't slow down for you, but they're required to slow down here," Laretta said. "But then down there the walk sign never comes on, so I think it is a little bit confusing on when you're supposed to."

Whether they sided with the drivers or the walkers, everyone agreed, a little common sense goes a long way.

"I was taught when I was five to look when you cross the street," French said. "I think it's probably still good advice."

Both Purdue and West Lafayette police have said recently that they are keeping a close eye on both drivers and pedestrians for violations of the law. So whether you're driving or walking, you'll want to pay close attention to traffic guidelines or you'll risk getting a ticket.