Information From Princeton University Department of Public Safety

• Suspicious Persons
• Apartment Security
• Bicycle Safety
• Pedestrian Safety

Public Security Notice: Suspicious Persons

As a campus community, each of us must take responsibility for making the campus a safer environment. One of the ways that you can assist Public Safety in their efforts is reporting suspicious persons and behavior. If you see a suspicious person in your building, ask if you can help them. If the person has legitimate business in the building, he or she will appreciate your assistance. If not, ask the person to leave the building, but only if you feel comfortable. If the person refuses to do so, call Public Safety (258-1000 or 911).

The following are examples of behaviors that could be considered suspicious.

• Someone you or the other residents don't recognize going from room to room
• Someone standing in a hallway for a long period of time.

When you call public safety be prepared to describe the person, and stay on the phone until the dispatcher tells you it is clear to hang up.

Questions You May Be Asked.

• What is the location of the suspicious person?
• What does the suspicious person look like? Clothing?
• What is the suspicious person doing?

Dormitory and Building Security

Your personal safety and the physical security of the dormitories depend in part on your knowledge of security precautions. Public Safety Officers patrol the campus 24 hours a day. Dormitories are locked 24 hours a day and entrance doors are monitored electronically by Public Safety. The entrance doors are equipped with card access systems which enhance the security of the building and allow the convenience of PU ID cards to access the entrance doors. In addition, the monitored doors are equipped with local alarms to alert the residents that a door has been opened (forced entry or left open). Resident Responsibilities.
• Not propping exterior doors and closing them if found open.
• Not allowing people to follow you into the dormitory if you don't know them.
• Notifying Public Safety of any broken/missing hardware or security equipment.
• Using the main entrance/exit door(s) at all times except when the fire alarm sounds.
• Reporting lost or stolen ID cards immediately so it can be deactivated.
• Lock your dorm room, remember to take your key and prox card.
• For your protection do not carry you room key and ID card on the same key ring.
• Reporting anyone tampering with the card access system or otherwise attempting to defeat the security. Report suspicious activity to public safety 258-3134 or 911.

Bicycle Safety for College Students

Rules of the Road

Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as any other driver of a vehicle. While a driver's license is not required to ride a bike, bicyclists are required to know and obey all traffic laws such as stopping at stop signs and traffic lights and signaling before turning or changing lanes. Bicyclists should never, under any circumstances, ride against traffic. A high percentage of all car/bike collisions result from cyclists going the wrong way. Stay to the right if you are moving slower than other traffic, maintain a constant position in the lane about three feet away from the curb or parked cars. Do not weave in and out of parked cars. Maintaining a presence on the road will help drivers see you and will reduce the chance that motor vehicles will pull in front of you. If lanes are too narrow to share with motor vehicles, the safest place to ride your bicycle is in the middle of the lane. If the lanes become wider, move over to the far right side again. Many cyclists believe they are safer and more comfortable riding further to the right than suggested here, but riding too far to the right puts the cyclist in greater danger. Poor sightlines, opening care doors, and unforeseen roadway hazards can lead to serious injuries, and even death. When you're about to cross an intersection, don't veer to the left or right, maintain a direct path through the intersection. Practice looking over your shoulder, behind you for traffic. This simple but essential skill allows you to move safely left or right to avoid a hazard, change lanes, or make a turn. Looking over your shoulder makes drivers pay attention to you. You need to master this skill even if you have a mirror just as you would if you were driving in a car. Communicate the direction you are turning with hand signals at lease 100 feet prior to a turn or change in lanes. Traffic flows smoother when drivers predict what others will do based on traffic laws. By following traffic laws and being aware of your surroundings your bicycle rides will be much safer.

Remember . . .

• 1. Wear a helmet. Before you get on your bike, put on a helmet. Make sure chin straps are adjusted properly, buckled and snug. Unlike broken bones and road rash, head injuries can be debilitating or deadly. Wearing your helmet may save your life!
  
  
• Share the road. Remember to always share the road with motorists when riding on streets. If the lane is too narrow to share comfortably, then either stay off the road or fit in behind traffic. Riding behind an experienced partner can also help.
  
  
• Lock it up. College campuses are notorious bike theft locations. Whenever you are away from your bike, lock it up. Metal "U-Locks" (shown above) tend to be the safest. Try to secure the bike frame and the front of the tire to an authorized bike rack for best results.
  
  
• Know your route. Don't bike on a route or street if you are not familiar with its traffic flow, terrain or shoulder width. Carry a cell phone or money for a pay phone if you do stray into unfamiliar territory and need to call for a ride.
  
  

Why Bike:

For many students, the bicycle represents more than just a quick way to get around on campus - it is an inexpensive, environmentally safe form of transportation. Bicycling to and from class can help keep you in good physical shape, and many students find that they save time because parking is more convenient and closer to classrooms. On multi-use paths, bicycles should yield to pedestrians, and do not pass unless there is room. Slow down and call out "on your left" or "on your right" before passing cyclists, skaters, runners or walkers. Riding on the sidewalk is normally not safe because bicyclists move faster than pedestrians and are hard to hear. Always yield to pedestrians when you are in their space, and dismount if pedestrian traffic is high. Be alert where sidewalks cross alleys, driveways and streets - look left, right and left again before proceeding.

Be Safe:

Whether riding in traffic or on designated paths, unsafe cycling can be very dangerous. The following are some bicycle safety tips that could help keep you out of harm's way:
• Always wear a helmet.
• Many bicyclists carry a mobile phone for emergencies.
• If you ride 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after sunrise, you should have a white headlight and rear reflector. A taillight, additional reflectors and reflective clothing can also make you more visible. " Check the weather forecast before riding, and avoid riding in extreme weather conditions.
• Fenders and waterproof clothing are recommended for wet weather rides, and be especially cautious of breaking distances in slick conditions.
• Working order every time you ride. Inspect your bicycle before and after each ride - tires, gears and brakes need to be in good.

Bike Equipment

Your bicycle type should match your riding style. A mountain bike or hybrid bike (a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike) are typically best for commuting to class. Your bike should fit you. You should be able to stand on the ground, and the seat should be positioned high enough for your legs to extend fully. Riding with the seat too low makes it harder to pedal. There are several excellent bicycle dealers in the area that can answer questions about finding a good-fitting bike. Always wear a safety certified-bicycle helmet. The helmet should sit snug and level on your head, without any movement. Wearing a bicycle helmet when you ride can greatly reduce your risk of serious head injury.

Bicycle Theft:

Bicycle Theft has become a tremendous problem on college campus, and Princeton campus is no exception. Bicycles and bicycle parts, including seats and "quick release" wheels, are in big demand, and thieves are well-equipped and can be well-organized. Bicycle Theft is one of the most easily preventable crimes. Reducing your risk and increase your odds of recovery:
• Register your bike with DPS.
• Keep handy a record of the make, model, color, pertinent identifying features and most important, the serial number. Retain your purchase receipt.
• Immediately report any missing or stolen bicycles: Call Public Safety at 258-3134 or 911
• Use a bicycle the thieves do not like, a less expensive ten speeds or "clunker" under $200.
• Register your bike with the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
• Purchase a case hardened U shaped lock. (This type lock can be purchased at a reduced rate through DPS)
• Lock the bike to a bike rack securing the frame to the rack and any quick release wheels.
• Don't leave your bike unlocked for a moment, always securing your bike to a fixed object never by it's self.
• Avoid locking your bike in the same location each day. DON'T leave your bike locked in one place during periods of nonuse.
• Be observant around bike racks, even if it isn't where your bike is locked. If you see someone acting suspiciously around the rack call DPS. (258-1000)

Be Smart. Be Confident. Be Alert. Be Predictable. Share the Road. Have Fun.

Pedestrian safety

New Jersey law defines a "pedestrian" as "any person afoot or any person in a wheelchair, either manually or mechanically propelled, or other low-powered, mechanically propelled vehicle designed specifically for use by a physically disabled person. Everyone is a pedestrian at some point in his or her life, in Princeton, walking is not only to go from your dorm room to class and or from your car to the office. Walking in Princeton can also provide a unique and relaxing way to enjoy the environment. Walking is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and can provide a range of benefits. Pedestrians are still in a world dominated by motorists; however, New Jersey continues to be among the deadliest states for Walkers, ranking third in the nation, behind New York and Hawaii, In terms of the portion of total traffic deaths that are pedestrians (20.8 percent). In 2004, New Jersey had one of its deadliest years for pedestrians in recent history. 153 pedestrians were killed while trying to cross New Jersey's streets, walking to school, waiting at a bus stop, or otherwise walking.

Street or road crossings are, by far, the most common types of pedestrian crashes. Any street crossing can put a pedestrian in the path of a motor vehicle who's driver may not be paying attention or may not have the time to avoid a pedestrian who suddenly steps into their path.

The most important safety tip to reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities is to pay attention. You can significantly reduce your chances of being in a collision with a motor vehicle by obeying traffic rules and being aware of dangers posed by cars in your vicinity. Make eye contact with drivers if possible and make sure that they can see you.

• yield to pedestrians when crossing a sidewalk or entering an alley or driveway
• yield to pedestrians who have started crossing at an intersection or crosswalk on a "walk" signal or a green light, if there is no walk signal
• yield to pedestrians who are crossing the highway within a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection where there are no traffic lights or control signals
• not overtake and pass any vehicle that stops at an intersection or crosswalk to permit a pedestrian or bicyclist to cross the roadway safely

• yield to drivers when crossing a road where there is no intersection or crosswalk or where the pedestrian does not have a green or "walk" signal and where vehicles have a green signal
• not suddenly move into the path of a closely approaching vehicle that does not have sufficient time to yield for a pedestrian
• walk on and along the left side of a highway when not walking on a sidewalk. Note: This law does not apply to bicycles. Bicycles operate under the same laws as other legal vehicles on the road and should always stay on the right side of the road.

Pedestrian pointers to keep in mind:

• Pay attention
  A recent report from the Federal Bureau of Transportation Safety concluded that the pedestrian was solely at fault in 43% of car-pedestrian collisions and that both were at fault in 13% of collisions. You can significantly reduce your chances of death or injury by obeying traffic rules and being aware of dangers posed by cars in your vicinity. For example: 58% of pedestrian-car crashes occur while the pedestrian was crossing the street. Pay close attention to cars in your vicinity. Make eye contact with drivers if possible.
• Don't "Drink & Walk"
  Unlike driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, walking will probably not result in the death or injury of someone else-but it could very well result in yours. As an inebriated pedestrian your chances of suffering an accident increases significantly. If you've been drinking, take a cab or a bus, or let someone sober drive you home.
• Take extra care at night and at dusk
  Walking at night increases your chances of death or injury. Drivers cannot avoid what they can't see. When walking at night, wear retro-reflective outdoor clothing or shoes or lights to make yourself more visible. Avoid wearing dark clothing. Most importantly, don't assume that drivers can see you. Always walk on the left hand side of the road or on the sidewalk. This way, motorists can see you and will not be approaching you from behind.

Myths and Truths

• A green light means that it is safe to cross.
  A green light means that you should first stop and look for cars. Before you step off the curb, look LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT, and over your shoulder for turning traffic. Then, if it is safe, cross and keep looking left and right as you cross. Be especially alert for vehicles making a right turn on red.
• You are safe when crossing at a crosswalk.
  Before you cross at a crosswalk, first stop at the curb. Then, look LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT and over your shoulder for vehicles. When the way is clear, cross and keep looking left and right.
• If you see the driver, the driver sees you.
  The driver may not see you. Before you cross in front of a car, make sure that the driver sees you and stops. Try to make eye contact with the driver.
• A driver will stop if you are in a crosswalk or you get the green light.
  The driver may not see you, or the driver's view may be blocked. Some drivers may run a traffic light illegally or may turn without looking for pedestrians.
• Wearing white at night or in low-light conditions makes you visible to drivers.
  Even if you wear white clothes at night or in low-light conditions, drivers will have a difficult time seeing you. At night wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight. In low-light conditions, wear fluorescent colors.