According to statistics from VUPD and the Metro Nashville Police Department, 69 traffic accidents involving pedestrians have occurred on streets adjacent to campus since 2006. Of those accidents, many occurred on West End Avenue or 21st Avenue South. Metro Nashville Police and VUPD have a working partnership to help enforce traffic laws on and around campus. 

To increase safety in these areas the major crosswalks on West End Avenue have recently been repainted and drivers and pedestrians should be aware of the intersections with controlled crosswalks that clearly define when it is safe to walk into the street. Pedestrians are also encouraged to use the two pedestrian bridges over 21st Avenue South.

Extra care should be taken in areas on and around campus identified by statistical data from VUPD and Metro Police as particularly hazardous for pedestrians. These include:

• West End Avenue between 20th Avenue South and 31st Avenue South
• 21st Avenue South between Broadway and Wedgewood/Blakemore
• Pierce Avenue between 21st Avenue South and 24th Avenue South
• 25th Avenue South between West End and Blakemore avenues

VUPD offers the following tips for traveling around campus safely:

• Drivers and those on foot are encouraged to drive and walk defensively.
• Pedestrians should try to make eye contact with drivers before proceeding into the street.
• Pedestrians should wear bright, reflective clothing at all times when walking.
• Pedestrians should cross at or near intersections when possible.
• Drivers need to slow down. The speed limit on and around campus is 30 or less in most areas.
• Learn and abide by Tennessee laws as they relate to driver and pedestrian interactions.
• Hang up the phone!

To learn more about the laws that impact pedestrians and drivers in Tennessee, as well as defensive driving and walking tips, visit VUPD’s Web site at http://police.vanderbilt.edu/.