With the increasing popularity of the mobile game “Pokemon Go,” University Police remind students to be aware of their surroundings when walking. Explore Pokemon Go on campus, but be safe while playing. There have been reports in Missouri of suspects using the app’s geolocation feature to target unwitting victims. Keep in mind the following safety tips when walking:

• Look for traffic in all directions; be especially careful of turning traffic at intersections.
• Pedestrians have the right of way at marked and unmarked crosswalks. At signalized intersections, pedestrians must follow the “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” signs and other traffic signals.
• Give the motorist time to react; do not unexpectedly step out in front of a motorist.
• As a courtesy to other pedestrians, walk on the right-hand side of crosswalks.
• When no crosswalk is present, pedestrians crossing must yield to motorists and must cross the road by the shortest route (not diagonally, unless specifically authorized by signals or markings).
• Except where crosswalks are provided, pedestrians are not to cross streets between signalized intersections, in business districts or where prohibited by local ordinance.
• At railroad crossings and on bridges, follow operation signals and do not cross a barrier or gate that is down.
• Pedestrians must use sidewalks if they are available.
• Where sidewalks are not present, pedestrians are to walk on the side of the road or shoulder. Walk on the left side, facing traffic, if possible.
• Wear brightly colored or reflective clothing.
• Visibility drops in the dark. When walking at night, dawn or dusk, wear or carry reflective clothing or carry a flashlight.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing to make sure they see you.
• When available, use pedestrian crossing facilities such as tunnels and bridges.
• Be especially careful crossing multi-lane roads. The motorist in the first lane may stop for you, but motorists in other lanes may not realize they must stop. Check for traffic before moving across each lane.