Many questions regarding campus safety remain unanswered after a police report was filed in early February for an auto-pedestrian accident. Since the case investigation is ongoing, officials handling the incident refused to elaborate on the circumstances that led to the accident.
Know the Facts
Thomas Smith, Texas A&M International University Police Department Captain maintains that auto-pedestrian accidents are uncommon on campus, “This is the first [case] I’ve known of since I’ve been here.”
Police reports, dating back to 2004, support Smith’s comments.
Meanwhile, as enrollment numbers rise, along with the population of student drivers on campus, so does the trend in general automotive related accidents.
According to data collected from TAMIU police reports, from 2008 to 2009, TAMIU saw a triple digit increase in hit and run accidents.
Although this may be the first auto-pedestrian accident on file, considering the staggering statistical plausibility of a repeat occurrence, it’s enough to take heed.
Despite driving related accidents commonly associated with high speeds, National Safety Council, NHTSA data, revealed that 47 percent of speed-related fatalities occurred on roads posted at 50 mph or less and a staggering 25 percent occurred on roads signaling 35 mph or less, such as those that can be found around TAMIU.
Prevention
Vehicular related accidents are, for the most part, preventable. The National Safety Council maintains drivers speed for the obvious reasons: they’re in a hurry, they don’t think of their driving as dangers, or they just don’t expect to get caught.
Smith urges students to be aware of their surroundings at all times, not just around the crosswalks.
For many drivers, remaining level-headed even when surrounded by inarguably inadequate drivers or simply putting the cell phone down while driving, could save a life or at the very least, save yourself the insurance hassle.
Police incidents are public information and can be viewed online at the TAMIU Police Department Web site.
(Stephanie Ibarra may be reached at stephie@dusty.tamiu.edu)