Traffic incidents cause major concerns

By Leesa Riviere

Santa Clara is a small school in a suburban environment that prides itself on the safety of its students. However, recent traffic incidents that have involved serious injuries to two Santa Clara students raise questions about the safety of pedestrians in the streets around the school.

In fact, statistics from Campus Safety record two to four accidents between cars and pedestrians each year involving Santa Clara students. Fatal or serious accidents involving grave injury similar to the recent incident occur every one to two years, resulting in major trauma.

According to George Giacomini, co-author of "Serving the Intellect, Touching the Heart," a photo album of the history of Santa Clara, pedestrian and automobile traffic has always been an issue at Santa Clara. In fact, the Alameda used to divide the campus from the library and some of the dormitories until it was diverted around campus in 1989.

"There was a high number of fender benders," said Giacomini. "Students were young enough and nimble enough to dodge the cars, but the cars would end up hitting each other."

Today, student pedestrians face a new challenge in traffic crossing  El Camino to get to the train station, where sophomore Talbot Clarke was struck by an oncoming vehicle and sent to the hospital.

In light of this recent tragedy, a potential concern is raised about the new Campbell Avenue Townhouses, which are located across from El Camino. Students who reside there will have to walk across the busy El Camino on a daily basis to get between their rooms and classes.

The concern is alleviated by the fact that the new residence structure is located next to a large crosswalk and light, although students may not be so patient.

Mary Smoker, ‘81, remembered  students didn't tend to walk to the light, wait and then walk back in the same direction as the library when the Alameda ran through campus. Instead they would run across the street. "I think there was a feeling of ‘Oh, I'm 20 and I'm invincible,'" said Smoker.

Giacomini said that he could see a potential problem, but he doesn't think it will be as bad as the problems the Alameda caused. "The traffic will be moving at a different tempo. Students won't be crossing the street throughout the day."

Said Campus Safety Director Phil Beltran, "Common factors that cause traffic and auto-pedestrian accidents are assumptions and attention. Many assume that the driver sees them, or that it's safe to cross just because the light changes (or they) neglect their attention."

His suggestions for safety as a pedestrian include never assuming that the driver sees you, or that you have the right of way on foot. "In fact, defensively assume the driver does not see you and try to make eye contact if possible." Other precautions included wearing bright clothing or removable reflectors, particularly at night, and being aware of surroundings.

Beltran recommends that students "always leave enough time to get to where you want to go, don't cut corners and always cross at lights and/or in a crosswalk."

Matt Rupel contributed to this article. Contact Leesa Riviere at lriviere@scu.edu.