Pedestrian Safety Matters | Security and Emergency Management Services | Seneca Students

Are you really following the rules and staying alert while walking?

PEDESTRIANS SAFETY TIPS

We all want to be happy, healthy, and safe. From new-born infants to the elderly there are lots of ways you can protect yourself and your family from accidents. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to transportation, but at one time or another everyone is a pedestrian. When drivers maintain safe speeds and practice other safe driving behaviors, safer walking environments are created for you, your loved ones, and others in your community.

Seneca Safe Walk is a free service that provides a walking partner to students, employees and visitors who wish to be accompanied to their car, Residence, transit stop or anywhere within the perimeter of Seneca property. Safe Walk is comprised of Seneca campus Security. You can request Safe Walk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by contacting main Security Dispatch line.

With that in mind – here are some general tips to help prevent you from being involved in a serious incident and possibly help you should you ever become a victim\Survivor.

BE AWARE

• Avoid “autopilot”. Remain alert and walk with a purpose.
• Even if you are on a route you take every day, be aware of
• your surroundings. Also pay close attention to crosswalks
• and driveways even if you have the “right of way”.
• Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic.
• Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
• Embrace walking as a healthy form of transportation - get up, get out and get moving.

PLAN AHEAD

• Think about where you are going and plan your route before you leave. What time of day is it? Are you walking through an uninhabited or badly lit area? If you see trouble, can you cross the street or go into a nearby store? If you are not familiar with the area, did you take directions with you?

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS

• Trusting your own instincts that a situation seems “wrong” can be the best personal safety tool you have.
• Pay attention to it and don’t be afraid to act on it! A moment of embarrassment if you are incorrect is far less important than your overall safety.

IF YOU ARE CONFRONTED, do whatever you can to protect yourself, but remember your safety is paramount.

• Try to remember points of identification about the suspect and, if possible, write this information down while it is fresh in your memory.
• If someone demands your property and displays or implies that they have a weapon, don’t resist. You have a greater chance of getting hurt if you do.
• If someone tries to assault you, make a scene. Scream, kick, fight, run . . . do whatever you can to get away and attract attention.
• Only you can decide how to respond to an attack!

REPORT THE INCIDENT TO THE SECURITY IF ON CAMPUS AND POLICE SERVICES IF OFF CAMPUS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE:

Being aware, planning ahead and trusting your instincts, can greatly reduce. The opportunity for a crime to occur!

Seneca Emergency Help Line: 416-764-0911 or Microsoft Teams ext. 88

Seneca Main Security Dispatch: 416-764-0911