Although it is almost race weekend in the Tri-Cities, reckless driving runs rampant on ETSU’s campus year-round. That’s right. Students are not safe walking along the sidewalks of campus during the school year at any time.
This is not in relation to the fact that a student could get mugged, raped or even worse. Two students have died -one on this campus – in the last two years. However, one of those cases is unsolved so no blame will be placed in it. The other is now going to trial so it’s up to the courts to decide that fate.
This isn’t about a student’s welfare as far as crime goes. No, this is completely and totally dedicated to crosswalks and the hazards that they present.
A crosswalk? Those aren’t harmful or hazardous to anyone’s health, right? They are simply a means to cross a street and move from one sidewalk to the other. That should not present a problem in the least.
That’s the way it should be. At least in the humble view of most students on this campus. A student should not feel like they are in a game of Frogger, dodging random vehicles to get to the other side.
America is known as a country full of people that do not know how to stop and smell the roses. We rush from one thing to the next, simply trying to get there in the quickest time possible. Any obstacles that just happen to be in the way are simply something that we must get through, any way we have to.
Unfortunately, people on this campus are of this same mentality. Faculty, staff and students do not pay attention to the posted speed limits but neither do they pay any attention to who might be crossing in front of them.
According to the official rules, once a person enters a crosswalk, the oncoming traffic is required to stop, even if the person is on the other side of the road and not directly in front of them.
How often does that actually happen?
Instead, people barrel forward, thinking that perhaps, just perhaps, they can beat that person. They might just be able to make it across the crosswalk before the person gets to their side of the street.
This leaves the poor pedestrian running or simply stopping short to avoid being hit.
What is even worse is the drivers that simply don’t pay attention to what is in front of them. They might be playing with their radio, cramming for a test (yes, in the car) or simply just off in their own little world. They finally decide to look at the road in front of them and see a stranger standing in front of them with a look that is very reminiscent of a deer that has been caught in the headlights of a car.
What is the big rush about? Are people really that anxious to get to class? That hour-long lecture is just that thrilling. Yeah right.
Perhaps some just can’t wait to drive around for at least 20 minutes looking for a parking space. Definitely exciting stuff. They probably won’t find one anyway.
Walking across campus should not be a hazard to a person’s health. It should be something that, while not necessarily enjoyed, does not cause fear or concern in the pedestrian that is walking to class, their car or just walking for the heck of walking.
For those that actually stop at crosswalks and let people cross, you are to be commended. Hopefully, the pedestrian will wave and nod their thanks to you. An acknowledgement of a good deed is always appreciated.
For those of you who instead choose to drive recklessly, endangering innocent pedestrians and causing unwarranted aggravation and upset, here’s hoping that you don’t find a parking space after all.

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