Date: February 28, 2013 To: Dr.

Diane Martinez From: Andrew McClure Subject: Proposal Idea The safety of WCU students is compromised due to a serious lack of lighting around campus, particularly in the vicinity of roads and crosswalks. On certain occasions when Ive had to walk on campus at night, I have noticed that there is a lighting problem in the crosswalks adjacent to Blue Ridge Dormitory. This area is dangerous enough during the day, since the crosswalk on the hill is placed in a particularly inconvenient spot, but the risk is compounded at night when the vision of both pedestrians and drivers is impaired. If solutions to this problem were to be implemented, the university would not only be promoting the well-being of students, but they might also be avoiding the risk of personal injury lawsuits. There are several solutions to this issue which I believe could be applied in an efficient, cost effective manner. The Florida DOT has approved a system which makes crosswalks much safer. A pedestrian pushes a button which activates flashing lights positioned on the ground along the crosswalk. This illuminates the pedestrian, as well as alerts drivers that the crosswalk is being used. This technology has been implemented at Virginia Technical University and has drastically improved pedestrian safety. Furthermore, another option would be to simply improve lighting in the areas that need it most. Much of the lighting on campus is in dire need of an upgrade. By making repairs and establishing better lighting, the university could greatly increase the safety of pedestrians at night. In addition to this, reflective devices along the sides of the road and crosswalks might also increase pedestrian safety by illuminating the street when a vehicle is approaching. Although this would probably be a relatively cheap solution, it might not completely solve the problem. I have identified and contacted two separate individuals who could possibly make decisions regarding this problem. Lauren Bishop is the Energy Manager here at WCU. She oversees issues that involve lighting and energy usage. Joe Walker is Director of Facilities Management, which provides services in maintenance and design. From the research I have done, it is clear that lighting is indeed a problem on campus. Lauren Bishop tells me that although her department is working on installing better lighting, it is a good

topic for a proposal, and that it could be useful from a students perspective. I have also contacted Joe Walker and told him about my ideas for crosswalk illumination and reflective devices. At the present moment I have not heard back from him. If you have any questions, please send me an e-mail at admcclure3@catamount.wcu.edu