Dylan Whitney is the Interim Director of Campus Safety. 

Vehicle safety is important! So far this semester we’ve had numerous vehicle accidents on campus, from small “fender benders” in parking lots, to higher damage accidents that totaled vehicles completely.

All of these accidents could have been prevented with just a few small changes. Plus, nobody wants to have to deal with the headache of talking to insurance companies and repair shops.

Here are a few tips to keep yourself and others safe.

• Slow down! The posted speed limit on campus is 15mph, driving faster on campus is not going to save you any measurable amount of time.
• Don’t drive distracted. Put the phones down and pay attention. Texts and phone calls can wait until you’re parked.
• Be a defensive driver. Look ahead for potential hazards in the roadway or that could potentially enter into the roadway.
• Obey the posted traffic signs. Stopping and yielding are important and these signs are posted for safety.
• Drive sober. Driving under the influence, even short distances around campus is extremely dangerous, and against the law.
• Watch for pedestrians. We have a lot of foot traffic on campus, including young children and pets. Sometimes they can run into roadways with little to no warning.

Even while practicing safe and defensive driving, accidents can still happen. If you are involved in an accident, on or off campus, it is important to always follow a few crucial steps:

• Make sure the area is safe before exiting your vehicle. If your car is operable, move it out of the roadway.
• Notify Campus Safety at 404-504-1998 if on campus, or 911 if needed off campus.
• Check for injuries as best as possible, If the accident is severe enough, always get checked out by a doctor. Sometimes injuries and bruising can take hours to develop and become noticeable.
• ALWAYS report an accident, even if it involves an unoccupied vehicle or an inanimate object. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, commonly known as a “hit and run” and is an arrestable offense.
• Take pictures of the damage, your car, and the other car. This helps protect yourself from fraudulent claims made by others.

If you observe someone on campus driving dangerously, don’t be afraid to notify Campus Safety. Reports can be made online on the Campus Safety website, by email to [email protected], or by phone at 404-504-1998. Make note of the time, location, and vehicle description, including the license plate and a description of what the vehicle was doing.

Visit safety.oglethorpe.edu for more information about Oglethorpe’s Campus Safety department.