For students who cross N. Armstrong Street to get on campus, the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) urges students to utilize the pedestrian signals when crossing the street.
After the completion of Parking Lot A on N. Armstong Street, The city of Kingsville installed light-up pedestrian signals at the intersections of N. Armstrong Street and W. Nettie Avenue, W. A Avenue, W. Avenue B and W. Avenue C. At each of these crosswalks, there is a neon pedestrian sign that has a button for pedestrians to push.
“They (the signs) flash for about 30 seconds real bright, even in the day time, to warn motorists that there is somebody crossing,” UPD Chief of Police Felipe Garza said.
When driving on Armstrong, UPD encourages drivers to slow down as they approach the crosswalks and if there is someone crossing to allow for them to completely cross before continuing.
As Armstrong is one of the busiest streets near campus, pedestrian safety was TAMUK’s priority when requesting the city to install the flashing signs. For Music Education student LiAndra Winfrey, the lit-up signs notified her when someone was crossing, and she had not seen them.
“I was driving at night and I saw the light on and I was like I don’t see anybody and then when I slowed down…I saw the person…good thing for those lights,” Winfrey said.
While distracted driving is an issue, UPD also warns against distracted walking. When crossing the street, pedestrians should always push the buttons to activate the blinking lights and look away from their phone while crossing. Also, pedestrians should make sure to double check that vehicles are aware that they are about to cross before stepping onto the street.
Elena Kamaunu is a Music Education student who crosses Armstrong every day to get on campus. For her, the installation of the crosswalk lights has made her walk to campus safer and faster. Before the lights were installed, Kamaunu would walk up to the streetlight and cross. Now, she is able to use the pedestrian crosswalks along Armstrong safely and get to class on time.
Along with properly using the new flashing pedestrian street signs, UPD urges students to always pay attention to their surroundings when navigating high-traffic areas. To learn more about pedestrian and driver safety on campus, visit TAMUK’s UPD webpage where more information can be found.