Traffic & Pedestrians

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility

In 2013, more than 4,700 pedestrians were killed and 66,000 were injured in the United States. Between January 2010 and January 2013, more than 60 pedestrians were injured in traffic accidents on the IU Bloomington and IUPUI campuses. And in 2009, two pedestrians were injured and one was killed at IU Bloomington during a single week. Our campuses are as safe as we can make them, but despite our best efforts, accidents do happen.

Be a smart pedestrian

Walk on the sidewalk.
Cross only at marked crosswalks and intersections.
Look left, right, and left again for traffic before crossing.
Use pedestrian push buttons and obey “walk” and “don’t walk” signals.
Make eye contact with drivers, and never assume that they see you.
Recognize risks, know your options, and always look out for your own safety.

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 out into the roadway.

Learn more about pedestrian safety

How do you roll?

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

It's not like a movie

Don’t use railroad tracks as a walkway. Walking on the tracks is trespassing, and you may be ticketed or fined—or killed.

But what about Indiana's crosswalk law?

According to Indiana law (IC 9-21-8-36), a pedestrian has the right-of-way at a crosswalk only if he or she is already in the crosswalk. Drivers are not required to slow down or stop for someone waiting on the curb to cross the street.

What can drivers do?

Use common sense and obey the rules of the road at all times. When you’re driving—drive. Put away your cell phone, wait till you get to your destination to enjoy that snack, and don’t try to catch up on your reading at stoplights. You’re responsible for your life and the lives of others when you’re in control of a vehicle.

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.

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.

Follow these tips

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.

If you get stranded

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.

Build your emergency kit

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

Find out about current road conditions

Check out 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 at 1-800-261-7623.
Are conditions hazardous? Find out what the travel status is in the counties where you plan to travel.
Get country travel status updates and alerts through the free Indiana Travel Advisory app.

Download the iPhone app Download the Android app

Brush up on the law

Not sure what you’re supposed to do? Read the Indiana driver’s manual for a refresher.

Don’t text and drive

Reading, writing, or sending an email or text message while driving is illegal in the state of Indiana unless you’re using a hands-free or voice-operated system. Learn more about state law IC 9-21-8-59.

3,154

people died in accidents related to distracted driving in 2013

Get the facts »

424,000

people were injured due to distracted driving in 2013

percent of fatal crashes are caused by distracted drivers in their twenties

Stop the distractions »

Safe biking

Bicycles on the roadway have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles. A little courtesy goes a long way, whether you’re driving a car or riding a bike. Always obey the traffic laws, wear a helmet that fits properly, signal your turns, and don’t make unexpected moves. When you’re riding a bike, following these simple rules could mean the difference between life and death (or serious injury).

Learn more about bicycle safety

Be a safe cyclist

Obey all traffic laws that apply to vehicles, including stopping for stop signs and riding the correct direction on one-way streets.
Use hand signals to make others aware of your intentions.
Avoid riding on the sidewalk.
Ride in the direction of the traffic flow.
Have a working headlight and taillight when riding between dusk and dawn.