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Letters to the Editor

Crossing University Drive needs to be safer

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed an epidemic of bad behavior?

And I’m not talking about lying, cheating and stealing. Politicians and corporate executives seem to have a lock on that. No, what I’m talking about is the little stuff that, while seemingly random and unimportant, when taken as a whole makes up what is generally known as “civilized society.”

Things like picking your nose in the computer lab. Eee-yeeew! Anybody got a can of Lysol?

And putting out your cigarettes on the library steps. Two ashtrays are conveniently placed by the front door not five steps away from where you left your stinky mess.

Students aren’t the only offenders. Why, oh why, do people with faculty/staff parking stickers insist on taking up one of the increasingly rare commuter spots? Especially when the offender is parked adjacent to faculty/staff lot less than half full? This was before 8 a.m. I know that staff can park in those spots but, hey, why bother with second-class accommodations when the world is your oyster?

But the behavior that I find truly appalling — criminal, in fact — is perpetrated by motorists on University Drive. I know I’m preaching to the choir: Who hasn’t felt like a target when trying to cross the street? We have a speed zone and crosswalks. State law mandates that motorists stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk and common courtesy demands stopping when a pedestrian is trying to get in the crosswalk.

The solution is simple. Existing laws need to be enforced.

But let’s take it one more step. How about crossing guards? Traffic officers control the crowds for home football games. Shouldn’t the day-to-day safety of the TCU community warrant similar action?

This is my appeal to the administration, student government and the TCU and Fort Worth Police Departments. Do what it takes to slow things down and get motorists to stop for those of us in the crosswalk.

— Frances Grimes, graduate