Drivers and pedestrians beware! Since drivers are supposed to have licenses, and people should understand a huge, white, path-like walkway is used to cross the road, there should be no problems right? Not necessarily.

Several issues with speeding, improper use of stop signs and jay walking have become problematic for anyone on campus.

“There are two parts to the problem, the vehicles and the pedestrians,” Dr. Eugene Dial, dean of Student Life said.

Unlike school zones, the speed limit on campus is 15 miles per hour all day, not just from 7 a.m.-9 a.m. and 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

The rules for cross walks are the same as anywhere else. If they are not used to cross the street, then one is considered to be jay walking.

Stop sign laws are also the same on campus as any other street. Slowing down to about 5 miles per hour is not stopping.

However, when the speedometer says zero, this is a complete stop.

“There have been several complaints this semester about these issues,” Dial said.

The main concern is the safety of everyone on campus.

“We’re hoping that students will adhere to the warning before being penalized,” Dial said.

University Police and Thibodaux City Police will issue tickets to anyone who violates traffic laws, which includes jay walking.

“Even though there have been no accidents this semester, there have been some in the past. We’re just trying to prevent any more from happening again,” Dial said.

Students say they have mixed emotions about the ticketing.

“I don’t think that tickets should be issued for jay walking. However, pedestrians need to be more aware of crosswalks and careless drivers instead of just walking across the street. Drivers also need to respect pedestrians in crosswalks,” Monica Rhodes, secondary education sophomore from Houma said.

“If you’re speeding and you can’t see me, then you have a problem because I’m a large guy. Hey, if you hit me you’ll have to pay the doctor bill and the speeding ticket you’ll get,” Phillip Landry, marine biology junior from Patterson said.

“I’m all for giving tickets to speeders, but giving tickets to people who are jaywalking is a bit over the edge. I would understand if Nicholls was full of tremendously busy traffic, but it’s not,” Nicholas Boudreaux, accounting sophomore from Houma said.

“I think that people should respect each other–pedestrians and drivers alike. Is it really necessary for tickets to be given? ” Aimee Grabert, freshman from Thibodaux said.