Pedestrian safety has become a significant concern across college campuses nationwide. A recent study in the American Journal of Public Health found that more than 60% of college students admitted to texting while walking, and nearly 44% reported having experienced a “close call” as a result.
“This is an important issue affecting many university communities and we were very fortunate to partner with our SGA and Transportation Services to develop an awareness campaign that will hopefully protect our students,” said University of Alabama Police Department Chief John Hooks.
To address these concerns, the Student Government Association, in partnership with the Division of Student Life, UAPD and Transportation Services, launched the “Look Up, Legends!” campaign, which aims to bring awareness to distracted walking.
“Our campus is strongest when we take responsibility for each other’s well-being.”
Samad Gillani
The campaign focuses on raising awareness about the risks of distracted walking by installing A-frame safety signs throughout the campus. These signs, placed in areas where students frequently pass, have attention-grabbing messages like “Look Up, Legends” and “Be Alert, Cars Hurt,” which are aimed at getting students to stop and think before they walk distracted.
UAPD brought the idea to the 113th administration of the SGA and Senator Hailey Adams. Adams passed an act to ensure SGA’s support for pedestrian safety.
The act, sponsored by Speaker of the Senate Chloe Pickle, has garnered strong support from the 113th administration and other SGA leaders. The director of communications, Halle Harman, and chief of staff, Teegan Mathey, alongside Adams, have spearheaded this campaign together.
“Our goal is to make safety a shared conversation across campus. We hope this campaign helps students understand the real risks of distracted walking,” said Harman, emphasizing the role of effective communication in encouraging student participation.
The safety signs were strategically placed during the second week of January as students returned from the winter break, ensuring that the timing aligned with the start of the spring semester.
“Distracted walking isn’t just a personal risk — it’s a community issue. With this campaign, we’re encouraging students to look out for themselves and for one another,” said Samad Gillani, SGA president. “Our campus is strongest when we take responsibility for each other’s well-being.”
Executive director of Transportation Services, Chris D’Esposito, and the Transportation Services team have also provided critical funding and logistical support for the campaign.
“Transportation Services’ objective is to provide safe and efficient transportation options for UA,” D’Esposito said. “This SGA initiative, led by Hailey Adams, certainly raises awareness of a crucial activity that occurs thousands of times a day. We were eager to participate.”
By actively addressing distracted walking through campaigns like “Look Up, Legends!” SGA and its campus partners hope to build a culture of awareness that makes The University of Alabama a safer place for everyone.
So, remember, legends — take a moment and look up!