Imagine that you are a student and are out late one night with friends. You’re a little tipsy, so you decide to call a cab. How do you know which taxi is legitimate and which one is illegal? How do you avoid getting drunk in the first place?
We talk much about drivers and car accidents. But what we often forget is that students can become prone to accidents on campus too.
That’s why Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) has unveiled a new “Ride with Me S.O.A.” program that will inform, educate and engage with students on pedestrian and driver safety, as well as public transportation within the Niagara Region. The campaign also aims to help students differentiate between legal and illegal taxis.
BUSU had previously lobbied for the installation of sidewalks, bike lanes and lights on key roads. The advocacy for this was particularly necessary, following the traffic-related deaths of three students in the past five years.
To promote this new program, student volunteers have been handing out safety facts and tips, as well as visiting lecture halls to talk about drunk driving and student safety overall.
“We want to show the region and the surrounding municipalities that we are taking the necessary steps to prevent further accidents and ensure students’ safety, demonstrating to them that these new lights, bike lanes and sidewalks are necessary additions that will help support our cause,” said Spencer Dawson, Vice-president of Finance & Administration.
We commend BUSU for taking the right steps to keep their fellow students safe. That said, safety on campus requires a partnership between both the university and students. If a student is hurt at school and the school did not take the preventative steps to ensure the safety of students, a school can potentially be held liable.
Students are also responsible for their safety. Students need to make sure that they are doing everything in their power to keep safe – availing themselves of safety programs on campuses such as this one, and exercising caution when on sidewalks or in bike lines or crossing the street. By partnering with your respective university, and remaining vigilant, you can ensure that you remain safe. If you have been involved in an accident and are injured, speak to a personal injury lawyer to ensure your rights are protected. Get started by booking a free consultation or calling 1-855-446-7765 for immediate assistance.