You’re late.  Class starts in seven minutes, and you have only just pulled onto campus, the land of infuriating 15 mph speed limits and radar-wielding cops galore.  Of course, the whole way here, you’ve been stuck behind people going well under the limit for no reason.  
Your head is still reeling with complaints and profanities about all the people out there who seem to drive like they have nowhere to go without a care in the world.  Now, as you brush toast crumbs from the passenger seat or put the finishing touches on a shoddy, red-light makeup job, there’s the sudden realization that there are probably no parking spots left in your usual area.  You realize you’ll have to park blocks away from class, so you’ll never make it in time.  Just when you think that nothing else could make this morning any more stressful…
A herd of students ambles into the road in front.  You have to slam on the breaks, causing you to give them an awkward, reactionary grimace.  Your goofy moment of panic goes unnoticed, though, because four out of the five of them are looking down at cell phones, or staring off into a fantasy world known only to residence hall students who get to sleep until mere moments before class.  One of the group looks deeply offended, and she turns to give you a look.
“How dare you?” her stare asks.  “Can’t you see us walking?  Sure, we’re barely hugging the outer lines of the painted crosswalk, but we have rights, pal.  This white shape in the street is a shield.  You are forever in the wrong, jerk.”
Inconsiderate pedestrians in a crosswalk are annoying, and they can cause dangerous scenarios when combined with potentially tired, distracted, or equally inconsiderate drivers.  
This is an especially important issue on a commuter-heavy campus like Nicholls.  Being late is one thing, but accidentally mowing down someone on the way to history class is a definite day-ruiner for all involved.
And the problems aren’t limited to crosswalks. Any interaction between those on foot and those in vehicles should warrant caution and common sense.  This includes other methods of pedestrian transportation, as well.  There are folks riding golf carts, maintenance vehicles, bikes, and other items.  Responsible pedestrian street use is possible, but there are sidewalks for a reason.  I’m looking at you, skateboarders.  Weaving in and out of the streets like a concrete surfer is unsafe, and drivers can’t know where you’re headed.
One sure fire way to prevent these incidents is by being cautious from both ends.  Drivers should always remain aware of who is walking toward crosswalks.  The annoying speed limits on campus are there for a reason whether they are inconvenient or not.  On the other hand, pedestrians should be considerate as well. Texting or blaring the latest chart-topper through headphones so loud that you aren’t aware of your surroundings in a crosswalk can be just as dangerous as the driver putting on her make up.  
Also, when using a crosswalk keep in mind that sauntering along only makes all parties involved late.  Have some courtesy and walk briskly so that drivers don’t have the urge to plow you over.
This is not to say that there aren’t some irresponsible drivers on campus.  Commuters should remember that traffic can be stressful, pedestrians can be numerous, and parking can ruin your morning, but being a conscientious driver helps the whole campus ecosystem to move along smoothly.  Everyone must be mindful of the bigger picture when getting from A to B if we want Nicholls to be a safe and efficient environment. Just because you have the “right of way” doesn’t mean that you should abuse it.  
Both drivers and crosswalkers pose a hazardous threat to one another, and although in some cases you might be right, you could be “dead right.”