Remember, Share the Road…Bruins are Everywhere!
More than 75,000 people travel on campus each weekday, including staff, faculty, students, patients and visitors. A population that large means there are a variety of transportation modes sharing the same roadways, such as cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, bikes and more. In addition, the substantial increase in the use of electric scooters and ride-hailing services like Lyft and Uber on campus means whether someone’s in a vehicle, on a bike or scooter, or simply walking, it’s important to share the road.
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, a pedestrian in California is killed or injured by a motorist once every hour. The good news is UCLA is a safe campus and these sort of accidents are rare. However, when they occur, they can be dangerous and costly. UCLA’s auto loss statistics indicate the most frequent incidents are rear-end collisions and low speed crashes. Commuters can avoid accidents and collisions by using simple yet proven defensive driving practices:
Be aware of blind spots – all vehicles have them
- Stay out of a vehicle’s blind spot, especially trucks, buses and vans
- Be aware of your own blind spots, particularly when changing lanes, turning right or backing up
Scan the road for potential hazards both ahead and to the sides of your vehicle
- Keep an eye out for bicyclists who may not see you
- Be careful around large trucks parked on the street while making deliveries
- Slow down for buses and vans loading and unloading passengers
- Watch for pedestrians who enter the crosswalk against the red light
Expect the unexpected, including:
- Bicyclists passing on the right when one is making a right turn
- Parked vehicles suddenly pulling out from the curb
- Car doors opening into traffic
- Jaywalkers crossing the street outside marked crosswalks
Avoid distraction and maintain a 360-degree awareness around one’s vehicle
- Scan your mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds
- Never text, eat, or groom while driving
Be a patient and courteous driver
- Always adhere to the 20 mph campus speed limit – 20 is plenty!
Please do your part in keeping everyone safe. Remember, Share the Road… Bruins are Everywhere!
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