Changing tactics from enforcing to educating, the University Police Department will patrol the parking garage handing out flyers including safety tips and ruled for driving in it. Tamiracle Williams | The Crow’s Nest
By Juliet Di Preta
Were you aware that the rules of the road also apply to the parking garage on campus? Well, surprise: The road signs in the garage are for more than decoration and you may soon face the consequences of ignoring them.
The University Police Department and Environmental Health and Safety are aware there are ongoing issues of navigating the garage and are teaming up to tackle students’ unsafe driving habits. Officers will soon be posted in the garage to flag down unsafe drivers and educate them on proper navigation techniques.
“We’ve identified that it is an issue, especially right after people return to school,” said UPD Captain Robert Yawn. “When they leave the parking garage, they’re in a hurry to get home or get wherever they’re going.”
UPD decided that it wanted to get past the first few weeks of school before cracking down on the rules and tying up traffic in the garage. However, don’t be scared if an officer does flag you down. They have decided to take the approach of education rather than enforcement.
“What we want to do is make it a positive thing instead of standing out and writing tickets,” Yawn said. “If we see a violation, we will flag them down and then try to explain to them that there is a better way to do things.”
Officers will be handing out flyers, which will include safety tips and rules for the garage to inform students of their violation and other potential issues without them getting into trouble with the law.
“This is going to be a continued effort,” Yawn said. “Not necessarily every week or every three weeks, but we are going to have to do something where we do it on a recurring basis so it maintains awareness.”
Yawn also stated that UPD has been planning on doing this not only for safety, but also in an effort to have officers engage with the students and faculty.
“It’s a chance to be viewed in a more positive light,” Yawn said.
Common rules for driving in the parking garage
- Don’t speed. Speed limit is 5 mph
- Yield to pedestrians walking in garage
- Stop at stop signs
- Make right hand turns only (except Level 2 when exiting)
- Watch for vehicles backing out
- Stay alert when backing out
- Drive with lights on in the garage
- Compact spaces are not for trucks & large SUVs
- Park in center space, not over lines
- No vehicles can park in motorcycle area
- All vehicles must display a valid permit
- Only park in designated area where permit allows
- Don’t sleep in vehicle with motor running
- Don’t leave valuables in vehicles
- Keep windows up and doors locked
- No bicycling, skateboarding or roller blading in garage
- Follow posted rules
- Be patient
