Motor Vehicle Regulations

Introduction

A University is a highly transient environment, with consistent and significant daily traffic flow. It stands to reason that there is a relationship between traffic flow and safety. For one, without traffic there are not traffic accidents. There are three interrelated characteristics of the traffic stream – flow, speed and density – all of which influence the interrelated aspects of safety; the frequency of opportunities for accidents to occur, the chances of an accident occurring given the opportunity, and the severity of an accident's outcome. Studies show that accident rates are directly correlated with traffic flow.

In addition to traffic flow, the University seeks to offer sufficient parking for students and employees.

Due to limited resources and legal constraints, the University relies heavily on management of existing facilities, rather than expansion of those facilities. This has resulted in an observably strained, but manageable, parking environment. The following policies seek to establish guidelines by which the University can maintain a safe environment, while allowing for a high density of motor vehicle traffic.

Terms and Scope

Motor vehicle policy is broken down into two types: traffic regulations and parking regulations. The policy does not cover non-motorized vehicles such as bicycles or skateboards. It does speak to pedestrian safety issues.

Overall, Bethel University is a “pedestrian friendly” zone, meaning that pedestrians are to be given the right of way at all times. Cross-walks and paths are well marked to give guidance to pedestrian traffic. Without such well established and maintained paths, pedestrians would be likely to cross at random intervals and location, increasing the possibility of a serious accident. The Motor Vehicle policies pertain to anyone operating a vehicle on Bethel University’s property. Visitor guidelines for parking are not directly covered in this policy; however they are alluded to many times.