Document Quick Links:

• Vehicle safety
• Bike safety

Vehicle Safety

• Wear your seatbelt. It's the law.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Have keys in hand before you reach your vehicle and check the interior of your vehicle before entering it.
• Always lock door after entering or leaving your car.
• If you believe you are being followed, DO NOT DRIVE HOME. Stay on busy streets and drive to a public place or police station.
• If your car breaks down, open the hood and attach a white cloth to the antenna or display a commercially available help sign requesting road service or police assistance. If someone stops to help, stay locked in your car and ask them to call the police or a garage.
• For assistance with lockouts and dead batteries on campus, call University Police.
• Use a steering wheel lock to prevent your car from theft and a locking gas cap to prevent fuel thefts.
• Mount your stereo or CB bracket which allows removal of the unit when you leave the vehicle. Store the item in the trunk.
• Designated parking lots are available to students during breaks. For information, contact the Department of Parking & Transportation.

The Bicyclist:

• Ride your bicycle with traffic, not against it.
• Look behind you and use proper hand signals before making turns.
• Wear a helmet. Three of four serious bicycle accidents involve head injuries.
• Make eye contact with motorists making turns or entering the road in front of you.
• Scan the road ahead for hazards such as potholes (notorious in Buffalo) and drainage grates. Identify hazards in time to avoid them without swerving into traffic.
• Be aware that when a motorist passes you and begins to slow down, the car may be turning in front of you. Be prepared to yield.
• If you are in an accident, secure witnesses and be sure to report it to the police immediately.
• Wear light colored clothing. Add reflective materials at night to increase visibility.
• Use a headlight, taillight, and reflectors if you ride at night.

The Bicycle:

• Be sure to lock your bicycle to a stationary object with a heavy-duty lock and chain or U-shaped lock.
• If permitted, keep your bicycle in the residence hall.
• Register your bicycle with the University Police.

Related Sites

Parking & Transportation