CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Austin Peay State University Police Department is reinforcing its traffic enforcement on and around campus, targeting speeding, distracted driving and other behaviors that put pedestrians at risk.
The effort will concentrate on areas with heavy foot traffic between classes, and the department says enforcement and visibility will remain ongoing priorities.
“With record enrollment and continued growth in the surrounding community, we are seeing increased traffic congestion around campus,” APSU Chief of Police Kristie Winters said in a news release. “As pedestrian activity continues to grow, it is important that drivers remain attentive and follow traffic laws to ensure the safety of students, employees, and visitors.”
Additional focus areas are on and around the downtown campus, where Winters said officers have seen a rise in dangerous driving behaviors, including:
- Speeding.
- Failure to stop at stop signs.
- Failure to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
- Distracted driving.
- Turning against posted traffic signs.
One common issue: Drivers don’t notice that there is no right turn on red allowed from University Avenue onto College Street, or from College onto University, which is a heavily trafficked area for pedestrian students.
“Our goal is to create a safer environment for everyone who walks, drives or bikes around campus,” Winters said. “Increased visibility and enforcement help encourage safer driving habits and remind the community to be mindful of pedestrian safety.”
“We encourage everyone traveling through campus to slow down, stay alert, obey posted traffic signs and yield to pedestrians, no matter the time of day,” Winters said. “Small actions such as reducing speed and staying attentive behind the wheel can make a significant difference in keeping our campus community safe.”
If you have questions or concerns about traffic safety on campus, please contact the APSU Police Department at 931-221-7786.
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