Pedestrian accidents remain a persistent issue for Miami students

Despite safety measures, vehicle-pedestrian collisions continue to occur in Oxford.

Ainsley McClean, a first-year integrated social studies education major, was hit by a car on Oct. 1 at 8 a.m. while on her way to class.

“I was [preparing to] cross the street, there was another girl too, and a big group was about to be done crossing,” McClean said, “so we let one car from each direction go. Then the other girl and I started walking across the street, and another car came and hit us.”

The accident left McClean with a sprained wrist and with several bruises.

McClean is just one of many students who have been hit by a car. However, Lt. Adam Price of the Oxford Police Department says the amount of collisions this year is not unusual.

“[Miami University is] a regular college campus, we deal with [collisions] a lot,” Price said.

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Price says that he believes that most accidents happen because of distracted or impaired pedestrians or drivers. He also said some pedestrians do not use the flashing lights at crosswalks.

Safety features, like the flower boxes that sit in between lanes on East High Street, aim to discourage jaywalking and promote the use of crosswalks. These measures have helped reduce, but not eliminate, collisions.

The university has taken steps to help students who get hit by cars, like alerting faculty, providing temporary accommodations through the Miller Center and offering counseling.

“If [students receive] an injury where they're going to the hospital, [the Dean of Students Office] automatically sends a faculty notification on their behalf,” BaShaun Smith, dean of students, said. “We don’t tell the faculty any specific detail whatsoever on what’s going on with that student, but we tell them something serious has happened, please be accommodating with missed classes and missed assignments.”

The Dean of Students Office also meets with injured students to see if they need any other assistance. The office also partners with the Miller Center for Student Disability Services to provide injured students with temporary accommodations to assist them.

In McClean’s situation, both accommodations and counseling resources were offered. Injured students should use the students of concern reporting form or email the Dean of Students Office.

“Always make eye contact with drivers when you’re walking, [and] try to have your phones in your pocket,” Smith said.

Price echoed that acknowledging the driver is crucial to alerting them to slow down.

“Just because you’re in the crosswalk doesn’t mean drivers will stop,” Price said. “It’s a matter of making sure both drivers and pedestrians are always paying attention.”

Price also shared concerns about accidents on Halloween, where increased alcohol consumption, increased pedestrian activity and dark costumes can create more dangerous conditions. Oxford Mayor William Snavely shared these concerns at the Oct. 21 city council meeting and urged citizens to exercise caution while celebrating Halloween.

pfennikp@miamioh.edu