Most students at BYU would never dream of drinking beer or smoking a cigarette, but many of those same students jay-walk or roll through stop signs on a regular basis.

Jessica, 21, said she figures no one will get hurt so it can't be that wrong.

"I would never drink-and-drive, but me crossing a street isn't like a major thing. If I'm late for class, I'll definitely jay-walk," she said.

Other students think that small traffic violations aren't a problem because no one gets caught for jay-walking.

Lt. Greg Barber, from Administrative Services, said police do give tickets for jay-walking if it creates a hazard.

"You may think it's safe. Often time road conditions alter that," Barber said.

Rolling through stop signs is also a traffic violation that students confess to doing without a second thought.

"I did it every day for semesters, until this cop pulled me over. I won't ever do it again." said Lindsey, 19.

She said she still doesn't see the problem with it, but she doesn't want the hassle of taking care of a ticket.

Barber said the biggest problem on campus is speeding. He said speed increases the frequency and seriousness of an accident.

Todd, 24, had never really thought about the problem with speeding.

"I guess I never thought that five miles faster could really make a difference. I've sped through campus and never given it a second thought."

Barber said speed is critcal in an accident and can mean the difference between a fender bender and a fatality.



Copyright Brigham Young University 15 Mar 2002