A text isn’t worth risking your life over

  April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month (DDAM), and UMKC Police Sergeant Philip Murphy offers advice for students who may have developed unsafe driving habits.

  “Obey all traffic laws and stay vigilant. Remember that campus has heavy pedestrian traffic,” Murphy said. “Always be prepared for people crossing the street.”

  DDAM is a national campaign focused on reducing accidents caused by distracted behavior, like texting or even changing the song on your phone. 

  “It’s crazy to think that my life could end because I was paying attention and someone else wasn’t,” said Andrew Beck, a business major. “More students need to be alert behind the wheel.”

  Campaigns like “Put the Phone Away or Pay” and “Drive now, text later, avoid danger” can be found displayed along the highways and construction zones.

  “Distracted driving is a significant concern in any environment, but it’s especially dangerous on a campus where there is a high volume of distracted foot traffic,” Murphy said.

  During DDAM, there is increased emphasis on distracted driving from campus police. UMKC has several banners encouraging students to “buckle up” and “stay alert” as they leave the parking garages.

  Campus police’s fundamental mission is to provide the leadership and professional support required to sustain and improve UMSystem’s efforts to develop a balanced police-university community effort against any lawlessness or disorderly conduct.

  When asked about fines for disobeying campus driving policies, Murphy explained the school uses the same laws that Kansas City police use.

  “UMKC Police enforces Kansas City municipal ordinances for street violations and issues UMKC citations for private property and parking violations,” Murphy said.

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