department of

public safety

The Oklahoma State University Pedestrian Safety Task Force, formed in February, is launching an awareness campaign for the fall semester and implementing other safety measures as well. 

“Pay Attention Pokes” will remind drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, scooter and skateboard riders of tips for traveling safely on campus. Students, faculty and staff alike can expect to see advertising around campus and tips in Student Bulletin and Headlines — weekly newsletters for students and employees — respectively. 

Steve Spradling, director of Parking and Transportation Services, now leads the committee after Joe Weaver, former senior vice president of Administration and Finance, retired. 

“We understand that our campus community knows most or all of the key rules for safety, but we can all do with reminding,” Spradling said. “Life is busy. It needs to be top-of-mind to put down our phones when traveling on campus, to use crosswalks, watch for pedestrians in the crosswalks and to make eye contact with drivers before crossing.” 

The safety tips will also address driving tips to help prevent accidents backing up or sideswiping other cars. 

“Campus is busy. Many people are trying to make it to their next destination and accidents from backing up are especially notable,” Spradling said. “We would like to encourage everyone to take a moment to double-check before pulling out of any parking space.” 

Besides the safety reminders, Facilities Management has been repainting crosswalks across campus. Additional crosswalk signs will be installed as soon as they arrive. 

The task force sent out a survey earlier this summer and more than 5,000 students and employees took time to respond. Results are currently being tabulated. Each person who responded was entered into a drawing for a parking permit. Dr. Roger Mailler and Derrick Denney were selected for the parking permits after a random drawing.