Traffic & Pedestrians

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility

Every year, thousands of pedestrians are killed or injured in the United States. IU campuses are not immune—dozens of pedestrians are injured in traffic accidents on our campuses yearly. Our campuses are as safe as we can make them, but despite our best efforts, accidents do happen.

Remember—as a pedestrian, you have the right-of-way only when you’re already in the street. Indiana state law prohibits you from stepping into the path of a car that is so close as to be an immediate hazard. And if you’re crossing anywhere other than within a marked crosswalk or at an intersection, you must yield the right-of-way. If all lanes of traffic aren’t clear enough to give you time to cross the street, you cannot step into the roadway.

Pedestrian safety

Find more safety tips for drivers and pedestrians.

Scooter safety

Learn how to stay safe when using a scooter.

A wide angle aerial view of IUPUI's New York street in Indianapolis, crowded with pedestrian traffic.

Drive safely

  • Obey the posted speed limit.
  • Watch for pedestrians, especially when turning at an intersection with a traffic signal.
  • Remember that pedestrians who are already in the crosswalk have the right of way.
  • Respect bike lanes and watch for bicyclists before turning.
  • Don’t pass a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk for a pedestrian.

Brush up on the law by reading the Indiana driver's manual

Being safe on the road in bad weather

Bad weather can wreak havoc with your daily commute to and from campus. Review these tips and discover maps and apps that can help you stay safe if you find yourself driving—or worse, stranded—in hazardous conditions.

  • Keep your cell phone charged. Always carry your phone and an extra charger so you can call for help.
  • Let someone know your travel route.
  • Always keep the gas tank full when driving in cold weather.
  • If the roads are bad, slow down and allow extra time to get to your destination.

  • Your car is your best protection if you get stranded, so don’t leave it. And don’t panic—an idling car uses only about a gallon of gas per hour.
  • Roll down a window slightly to allow fresh air into the car.
  • To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, periodically make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t blocked.
  • At night, leave the dome light on.

Keep a survival kit in your car. Be sure to include:

  • A first aid kit
  • Jumper cables
  • A flashlight and extra batteries
  • Brightly colored cloth
  • Candles and matches
  • Nonperishable, high-calorie foods such as nuts, raisins, and protein or energy bars

In the winter, add:

  • Blankets
  • Extra warm clothes
  • A shovel
  • A bag of sand or cat litter
  • Newspapers for insulation

  • Check out Indiana Department of Transportation’s TrafficWise for regional and statewide maps that include traffic conditions, road closures, and construction information for state roads, highways, and interstates. Or call the Indiana Department of Transportation’s Road and Weather Hotline by dialing 511.
  • Are conditions hazardous? Find out what the travel status is in the counties where you plan to travel.

How do you roll?

Did you know that skateboarding isn’t allowed on any IU campus? In many communities, skateboarders are considered pedestrians and aren’t allowed on the street (except when crossing it).