FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY TRAFFIC SAFETY TEAM

***PLEASE CHECK BACK OFTEN FOR UPDATES***

*This page is provided for the Ferris State University Traffic Safety Team courtesy of the Global Transportation Safety Alliance, with the approval of the Ferris State University Department of Public Safety.  This website is not a part of Ferris State University.

A MESSAGE FROM THE TRAFFIC SAFETY TEAM CHAIR

Welcome to the Ferris State University Traffic Safety Team informational page, which is hosted courtesy of the Global Transportation Safety Alliance.

Traffic safety is a concern that has been, and continues to be taken seriously.  Along with our counterparts at the local, county, state, and international levels, and the Ferris community, we are working endlessly to improve traffic safety through addressing issues pertaining to engineering, education, and enforcement.

Most recently, the Traffic Safety Team met in August and September of 2009 to prepare for the upcoming school year.  At our meetings, it was determined that employees of the Michigan Department of Transportation will come to campus to assist in a review of crosswalk matters.  In addition, the Michigan Department of Transportation plans to install countdown signals at two locations along State Street.  To help raise awareness, the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety agreed to position the speed detection trailer to monitor northbound traffic at the south campus border.  A Student Service Officer and Police Officer initiative (all member agencies) will be used to help inform the public, and establish a police presence in matters of pedestrian safety.  A courtesy sign review was partially done while guest traffic safety professionals from the Traffic Improvement Association were on campus.  An additional signage review is planned to be conducted in the near future.  Finally, enforcement initiatives continue to take place to complete the "Three E's" of the traffic safety - Engineering, Education, and Enforcement.  This will be an effort to ensure compliance of drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

Overall, the Ferris State University Traffic Safety Team believes in responsibility as individuals, achievement through teamwork, and innovation in addressing the many safety challenges.  We are a traffic safety-oriented entity, striving every day to meet the needs of our students, staff, and citizens.

Thank you for allowing us the privilege of serving you, and we hope that you'll find this information useful.  Please check back often for updates, and remember to "TRAVEL FERRIS SAFELY!"

Marty Bledsoe

Chief Martin J. Bledsoe, Director

Ferris State University Department of Public Safety

MISSION STATEMENT

The Ferris State University Traffic Safety Team has been formed to ensure our community is a safe travel environment, and to carry out the strategies and programs that will maintain this environment.

VISION STATEMENT

The community of Ferris State University provides a balanced transportation system in which a variety of transportation choices, including walking, biking, and public transit, are available for trips to school, work, shopping centers, and recreational areas, and in which all students, faculty/staff, and area residents, can travel safely in our area.

WHETHER IN A VEHICLE, OR ON FOOT, PLEASE TRAVEL FERRIS SAFELY!

• In crashes between motor vehicles and pedestrians, the pedestrians lose regardless of "right of way."

• Drivers and pedestrians are both subject to being issued a traffic ticket under pedestrian laws.

• Pedestrian traffic signals must be obeyed for the sake of safety to walkers and drivers, and it's the law.

• Pedestrians DO NOT automatically have the right of way, whether in a crosswalk or not.

• Drivers must yield to pedestrians already legally in a crosswalk; pedestrians cannot enter a crosswalk if a vehicle is approaching legally and so close as to cause the driver to slow or maneuver to avoid a crash.

TRAFFIC SAFETY TEAM NEWS

Countdown Pedestrian Signals Installed

September 29, 2009

BIG RAPIDS - Countdown pedestrian signals have been installed at the following locations:

• State Street, at South Street

• State Street, at Ferris Drive

TRAFFIC SAFETY TEAM PHOTOS

CLICK HERE FOR: the Ferris State University Traffic Safety Team photos.

TRAFFIC SAFETY TEAM RESOURCES

CLICK HERE FOR: posters, radio and video public service announcements, and other resources from the Ferris State University Traffic Safety Team.

LAWS AND ORDINANCES THAT INDIVIDUALS SHOULD BE AWARE OF

CLICK HERE FOR: a listing of traffic laws and ordinances that members of the Ferris State University community should be aware of.

A MEMBER OF THE

CHIPPEWA VALLEY TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE