As college students begin returning to campus for the start of the fall semester, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) encourages students to make smart decisions and remain aware of their surroundings both on and off campus. Whether heading to class, attending football games or exploring a new city, a little preparation and vigilance can go a long way to ensure a safe school year.
“Starting college is an exciting time, but it also comes with new responsibilities and new environments,” said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee. “Whether you’re walking across campus, driving to class or going out with friends, always stay aware of your surroundings, make responsible decisions and never get behind the wheel impaired. Your safety—and the safety of those around you—depends on the choices you make every day.”
Campus Safety Tips:
- Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions, such as walking while looking at your phone or wearing headphones at high volume.
- Walk in well-lit, populated areas, especially at night, and travel with friends whenever possible.
- Save campus police and local law enforcement phone numbers in your phone and familiarize yourself with emergency call boxes and campus safety resources.
- Lock your dorm room, apartment and vehicle, even if you’re only leaving for a few minutes.
- Trust your instincts. If a situation or person makes you feel uncomfortable, leave the area and report suspicious activity immediately.
Driving Safety Tips:
- Never drink and drive or ride with an impaired driver. Designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service or call a trusted friend.
- Always wear your seat belt and make sure every passenger is buckled up.
- Obey speed limits and eliminate distractions behind the wheel. Remember, texting while driving is illegal in Texas.
- Be extra cautious around pedestrians, bicyclists and scooters near college campuses.
- Give yourself extra travel time during move-in weekends, football game days and other campus events when traffic is heavier than usual.
Personal Safety Tips:
- Keep your cell phone charged and share your location with trusted family members or friends when traveling alone.
- Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return if you’re going out at night.
- Be cautious when meeting people you’ve only interacted with online.
- If attending parties or social events, never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers.
DPS also reminds college students, parents, faculty and staff about valuable public safety resources available throughout the school year.
- The iWatchTexas program is a critical resource for reporting suspicious activity in schools and communities to help prevent dangerous attacks. Everyone is urged to download the free iOS or Android iWatchTexas mobile app before the start of the school year. Tips can be reported via the website, the mobile app or by calling 844-643-2251. All reports are confidential. For information on how to use iWatchTexas, you can view this how-to video.
- The Texas School Safety Center is another useful tool for school security. It’s part of Texas State University and offers valuable resources on school safety for parents and members of the school community. It’s designed to be a central location for research, training and technical information for all school districts, charter schools and community colleges in the state. The Texas School Safety Center has staff experienced in school safety and can provide technical assistance or training, conduct program evaluations or offer resources to schools. Classes are also available online for the community.
- The Active Shooter Alert System is not school-specific but could be used in the event of a shooting at or near a school. The alert system is designed to notify people near an active shooter situation through cell phones, local broadcast media and Texas Department of Transportation Dynamic Message Signs (DMS). These alerts are used to encourage people to avoid the area or shelter-in-place, when a situation arises.
- Trained in media relations and public speaking, DPS Safety Education Service Lieutenants and Sergeants are charged with educating the public and serving as Public Information Officers to the media regarding public safety in Texas. Additionally, these officers regularly offer presentations to schools on drug use prevention, traffic safety, underage drinking, situational awareness and other education and awareness programs.
Remember, iWatchTexas is not for emergencies. If there is an emergency on a school campus or in a community, call 911. Also, the program can be used to report suspicious activity in areas in addition to schools.
DPS will issue an Active Shooter Alert when an agency submits a request that meets the requirements. Those include an active shooter in the agency’s jurisdiction, determining that the alert would assist people near the active shooter’s location, verification of the active shooter situation through a preliminary investigation by the requesting agency and that the shooter’s last known location is identifiable.
Article source and photo credit: Texas Department of Public Safety
