Pedestrian safety at universities in the Southeast is more important than ever. With enrollment rising and more students walking, biking, or scootering to class, campus roadways are busier than they’ve ever been. Unfortunately, that means more risk at crosswalks and intersections—especially when distracted driving and phone use are involved.
At Transportation Solutions & Lighting (TS&L), we specialize in helping colleges and universities design safer, smarter crossings using proven strategies and solar-powered technologies. Below are some of the most effective solutions being used today to reduce accidents and improve safety on campuses across the Southeast.
Why University Crosswalk Safety Matters
According to the Federal Highway Administration, nearly 6,000 pedestrians are killed annually in the U.S., and college campuses—where thousands of students cross busy roadways daily—are particularly vulnerable.
One study at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that 52.9% of students used their phones while crossing streets, dramatically increasing risk. With distracted walking and distracted driving on the rise, universities need infrastructure that captures driver attention and protects pedestrians—day and night.
Proven Safety Strategies for Campus Crossings
1. HAWK Beacon Systems
High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) beacons are a powerful tool for high-traffic university areas. These pedestrian-activated signals display a red light to drivers, requiring them to stop when someone enters the crosswalk.
(Source: Federal Highway Administration)
For large campuses split by major roads, HAWK beacons provide both driver clarity and student confidence—making them one of the best investments for crosswalk safety.
2. Embedded Pavement Lighting
Crosswalks with LED in-pavement lighting immediately catch a driver’s eye. Studies show they can increase driver awareness of pedestrians by 20% to 95%, especially at night or in poor weather.
TS&L offers solar-powered embedded lighting systems, which can be installed with minimal disruption—perfect for universities that want a fast, cost-effective upgrade to existing crossings.
3. Protected Intersections
Inspired by Dutch street design, protected intersections separate pedestrian and bicycle traffic from turning vehicles. Features include:
For universities with growing cycling programs or heavy vehicle traffic on campus perimeters, protected intersections provide long-term safety benefits.
4. Pedestrian Scrambles
A “pedestrian scramble” is a traffic signal phase where all vehicle traffic stops, and pedestrians can cross in every direction—even diagonally.
This design reduces conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians and has been shown to cut pedestrian injuries by up to 38%. For busy campus hubs—like libraries, student centers, and stadiums—scrambles are a simple but highly effective safety measure.
Combining Infrastructure with Education
Technology alone isn’t enough. The safest campuses combine infrastructure upgrades with student awareness campaigns. Examples include:
By pairing smart technology with behavioral education, universities can multiply the impact of their safety efforts.
Why Universities in the Southeast Are Taking Action
From Florida to Georgia, Tennessee to Alabama, universities are investing in safer crossings to reduce risk and reassure parents that their children are protected on campus. Solar-powered systems make upgrades easier, avoiding expensive trenching and wiring projects.
At TS&L, we’ve already partnered with leading universities across the Southeast to deliver:
Each project demonstrates a clear commitment to pedestrian safety and modern campus design.
Partnering with TS&L for Campus Safety
As a Florida-based, DBE-certified company, TS&L understands the unique challenges of Southeastern campuses. Our team handles everything—from design and assembly to installation and service—so universities can focus on their students, not their infrastructure.
Whether you need a single crosswalk upgrade or a campus-wide pedestrian safety strategy, our solar-powered, technology-driven solutions are ready to make a difference.
Final Thoughts
Enhancing pedestrian safety isn’t optional—it’s essential. By adopting evidence-based crosswalk interventions like HAWK beacons, embedded pavement lighting, protected intersections, and pedestrian scrambles, universities can reduce accidents, protect lives, and create safer, more welcoming campuses.
👉 Contact TS&L today to learn how we can help your university take the next step in pedestrian safety.
Transportation Solutions & Lighting (TS&L) and National Safety Systems (NSS) are enhancing campus security at Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College with the installation of Knightscope Blue Light Emergency Towers and Call Boxes. These cutting-edge safety solutions provide immediate access to emergency assistance, featuring solar-powered options, cellular connectivity, camera-equipped units, and an integrated public address system. Designed to ensure reliable communication with campus security, this initiative underscores TS&L & NSS’s commitment to creating safer environments for students, faculty, and visitors.
Transportation Solutions & Lighting, Inc. (TS&L), a leader in safety and lighting solutions, has partnered with Everbridge, a global provider of critical event management systems. This partnership makes TS&L Everbridge’s representative across the Southeastern U.S., enhancing TS&L’s mission to create safer campuses and communities. Building on their successful integration of Knightscope’s autonomous security technologies, TS&L will now offer Everbridge’s emergency notification systems to improve real-time communication and incident management during crises. This collaboration solidifies TS&L’s reputation for innovative, multi-layered safety solutions. For more information, visit www.nssys.us.
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