Knowing how to keep your students safe can be a big deal on college campuses. According to the WHO, many unintentional injuries, such as road traffic and drowning, are the leading cause of death and disability among adolescents. The last thing any school wants is an injured student, and a little education can go a long way to prevent unsafe situations.
Here are a few tips from the Wellfleet team on promoting safety to students on your campus.
Car safety
Many college students bring a car to campus, and it’s important for these students to stay safe when using their vehicles. As a college administrator, educating students can help them learn how to reduce risks and travel more safely.
Seatbelt safely
The first point to educate students on is the importance of using a seat belt when driving or riding in a motor vehicle. Using a seat belt can significantly increase a person’s chances of survival if a car accident occurs.1 Seat belts are a small price to pay for reducing the risk of a front-seat passenger car occupant death by an estimated 45%.1
Impaired driving
In addition to wearing a seat belt, educate college students on the risk of driving under the influence. Motor vehicle accidents with alcohol-impaired drivers account for 30% of all traffic-related deaths in the U.S.2 Encourage students to use a designated driver or a ride-hailing app to get home if they are impaired. Educating your students can help build a campus environment where driving under the influence isn’t an accepted practice among students.
Winter driving safety
If your campus is lucky enough to be in an area where cold and snowy winters abound, there are additional safety measures your students should know about.
Winter driving can be challenging because of snowy and icy roads and reduced visibility, and many college students from warmer climates may be new to driving in winter conditions. Educate students on the importance of slowing down and giving more space between cars when traveling on slippery roads. Additionally, send storm alerts to students’ phones when the weather is severe enough that they should stay home.
Winter drivers should also carry a few extra things in their car, including:3
- Ice scraper
- Flashlight
- Blanket
- Winter coat, boots, and gloves
- Shovel
- Snacks
- First aid kit
Walking safety
Many college campuses have walkways connecting the many buildings students travel between daily. When walking outdoors, there are key safety tips to educate your students on.
Distracted walking
While having easy access to your phone can be valuable, it’s important to remember to put the phone down when on the move. People who have their heads buried in their phones are less aware of their surroundings and thus less prepared to act in case of a dangerous situation.
Situational awareness is key for college students moving from place to place, especially in this digital age. Not only does distracted walking make it easier for potential predators to do harm, but it also makes people less aware of a car or bicycle that’s passing by.
Teach your students about situational awareness and the importance of staying alert and engaged when walking around campus.
Nighttime safety
After dark, students can take extra precautions to keep themselves safe. Encourage students who are running or biking at night to use reflective clothing and lights to ensure they’re seen easily by cars. Additionally, situational awareness becomes even more important when students are out and about at night, so encourage students to pay attention to their surroundings and stay alert.
Bike safety
Many college students choose to travel around town and campus via bicycle. Bikes should be encouraged as a great way to stay active and travel in an eco-friendly way. However, make sure your students are aware of a few safety protocols that are important when riding their bikes:
- Wear a bike helmet
Helmets have been shown to lower the risk of serious head injury by 60% and traumatic brain injury by 53%.4 Wearing a helmet is an easy way to protect oneself from serious injury in a fall or accident.
- Know the cycling hand signals
When traveling on roads, it’s important to know and use the standard hand signals for turning and stopping. This helps car drivers know what you’re doing and act accordingly.
- Use reflectors and lights
Cyclists often do not have designated bike lanes, and even when they do, it’s important to stay visible to cars and other motor vehicles. Encourage students to wear bright, reflective clothing and use bike lights during the day and night to ensure they’re easily seen by everyone else on the road.
Personal protection
Another way to promote safety on campus is to provide opportunities for students to learn self-defense techniques. Your college may consider offering this as an elective course or even a one-time event where interested students can sign up to learn the basics of self-defense.
Students may also be encouraged to carry a personal alarm and pepper spray on their keychain, which can be used in case they need to protect themselves from a dangerous situation.
Holiday safety
Student safety can become increasingly important during the holidays. Holidays like Halloween, the 4th of July, and New Year’s Eve can mean more celebrations and potentially more risky behavior. Remind students to exercise caution, travel with a group of friends they trust, have a designated driver, and leave any situations that feel uncomfortable. Students should learn to trust their instincts and be comfortable heading home if something doesn’t seem right.
Additionally, for holidays that happen during the school year when students are on campus, such as Halloween, it’s a great idea for campuses to provide an on-campus event or activity for students. By sponsoring and overseeing an event, the campus can provide a safer alternative for students to relax and have a good time with friends.
Learn more about Wellfleet
At Wellfleet, student well-being is our top priority. That’s why we create student health insurance plans built to help students get the care they need to feel their best. Connect with our team today to learn more about our tailored student health insurance solutions.
References
1 NSC injury facts. (2022). Occupant protection. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/occupant-protection/seat-belts/.
2 CDC. (2024, May 16). Impaired Driving Facts. https://www.cdc.gov/impaired-driving/facts/index.html.
3 National Weather Service. (nd). Building an Emergency Winter Supply Kit for Your Car. https://www.weather.gov/ilx/winter_drive2_social.
4 Cleveland Clinic. (2023, January 24). The Importance of Wearing a Bicycle Helmet. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/bicycle-helmet-safety.
Wellfleet, Wellfleet Student, Wellfleet Special Risk, and Wellfleet Workplace are marketing names used to refer to the insurance and administrative operations of Wellfleet Insurance Company, Wellfleet New York Insurance Company, and Wellfleet Group, LLC (known in California only as Wellfleet Group, LLC dba Wellfleet Administrators, LLC). All insurance products are administered or managed by Wellfleet Group, LLC. Product availability is based upon business and/or regulatory approval and may differ among states.
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