Pedestrian and Traffic Safety

You’re in the Driver’s Seat

Your safety is Clemson’s No. 1 priority, and pedestrian and traffic safety is an area of particular concern on a campus where people and vehicles share some of the same spaces. Please take a few minutes to read the questions and answers below and learn what you can do to make Clemson University a safer place to live, learn and work. If you have more questions or want to comment or make a suggestion, call 864-656-2222.

What can I do to improve traffic and pedestrian safety?

You already know the answers to that question.

• When you are driving, slow down.
• Watch for pedestrians who might step in front of your vehicle.
• Don’t text or e-mail while you are driving.
• When you are walking or riding a bicycle or skateboard, look both ways before you cross the street.
• Don’t assume drivers see you or will stop.
• Be aware of what is happening around you, so be careful if you are texting or listening to music while you are walking. You may not see or hear a vehicle or the bicyclist who is about to pass you.

What is the speed limit on campus?

The speed limit on campus streets is 15 mph unless they are otherwise marked. If you don’t see a speed limit sign or are unsure, assume the speed limit is 15 mph. Because of the pedestrian and bicycle traffic on campus it is not safe to drive faster than the speed limit.

Who has the right of way at crosswalks?

South Carolina law says vehicles must yield to pedestrians who are in a crosswalk on their side of the road or if the pedestrian approaching from the other side is close enough to be in danger. Pedestrians should look both ways before stepping into a crosswalk to be sure drivers see them and are going to stop.

If the pedestrian is in the crosswalk, stop. Vehicles have the right of way when there’s a Don’t Walk signal for pedestrians, but drivers should be alert for people who cross anyway.

If there are no vehicles coming, is it OK to cross even if the signal says Don’t Walk?

No. It’s against the law to start crossing the street if the Don’t Walk sign is on. Even if no cars are in sight, it’s very dangerous. Drivers may turn from side streets or come speeding around a curve and assume the road is clear because the light is green.

Who has the right of way if a pedestrian crosses where there is no crosswalk?

Vehicles have the right of way if a pedestrian crosses the street at any place other than a marked crosswalk. But safety comes first, so drivers must be prepared to stop if pedestrians step into the road where there is no crosswalk or from between parked vehicles. Pedestrians should look both ways before crossing any road.

Is it illegal to text while driving on campus?

It is not illegal on campus, but it is highly dangerous to drive while distracted by texting, e-mailing or adjusting the radio. It is illegal to text or e-mail while driving in the city of Clemson, which includes most of the roads that surround the campus. The penalty for violating the ordinance is a fine up to $100.

Are passengers in vehicles required to wear seat belts?

Yes. South Carolina law requires occupants of a vehicle to wear seat belts. There are a very few exceptions, such as having written verification from a doctor that there is a physical reason for not wearing a seat belt.

Is there a limit to the number of passengers in a vehicle?

It’s illegal to drive a vehicle with more than three people in the front seat or to “obstruct the view of the driver to the front or sides of the vehicle or as to interfere with the driver's control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.” It is unsafe to have more passengers than a vehicle is designed to carry. Passengers also are required to wear seat belts.

What are the rules about riding bicycles on campus?

• Bicyclists must observe the same laws as other vehicles, including obeying traffic lights and signs.
• Bicyclists should use hand signals when turning and stopping. Hand signals can be simple as pointing for 5 seconds in the intended direction of travel.
• Bicycles may not be ridden on sidewalks.

The Clemson University Police Department encourages bicyclists to follow these safety tips:

• Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
•  Wear brightly colored or reflective clothing
• Attach lights and/or reflectors to your bike to help with visibility during poor weather conditions or at night.
• Always check for traffic before entering an intersection or crossing a road.
• Be considerate. Don’t ride more than two abreast on roads.
• Don’t use mobile devices or iPods that might interfere with your ability to hear or see oncoming traffic. Pull over and get off your bike to use them.
• Yield to pedestrians.
• Give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.

Are there rules about riding mopeds?

Mopeds must have a rearview mirror, operable running lights and brake lights. The moped’s operating lights must be turned on at all times. Moped riders should be aware that the number of serious accidents involving mopeds in South Carolina is on the rise, so it is especially important to drive safely and be aware of other vehicles.

Is it OK to ride skateboards on campus?

Skateboards being used for transportation are allowed on most campus sidewalks. However, acrobatic maneuvers, stunts, trick riding and speed runs are prohibited on campus. Curbs, benches, steps, railings and similar objects have been damaged by skateboards.

Police recommend that skateboarders:

• Wear a helmet and other protection to avoid serious injury
• Avoid riding in areas where there are a lot of pedestrians
• Not ride in the street

What do people driving golf carts and utility vehicles on campus need to know?

Drivers of golf carts and utility vehicles should adhere to the same traffic laws as cars and trucks. They must obey traffic signals and they should give pedestrians the right of way at crosswalks. They should avoid traveling on sidewalks or other walkways unless it is necessary for the task at hand (for instance, brush removal), and should make an audible signal when they are about to overtake pedestrians. Drivers also should signal their intention to stop or turn. If the vehicle is not equipped with signals they should use hand signals.

Is there a safe way to travel on campus at night?

Tiger Transit vans driven by members of the Auxiliary Student Patrol provide door-to-door service on campus from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Call the Tiger Transit dispatcher at 864-656-3333 to request a ride. Find more information on the Tiger Transit website. (http://www.clemson.edu/campus-life/campus-services/cupd/tiger-transit/index.html).

Tiger Transit is now a part of the m.clemson app. This means everyone with an Internet-enabled device can easily access the ride request screen and get a ride with Tiger Transit.  In m.clemson we are part of the "Links" section.  Learn more about Mobile Clemson at www.clemson.edu/mobile/.