Audrey Buckley

Students weave in and out of each others’ paths through walkways, crosswalks and halls daily, yet they remain unaware of what is happening around them. Sounds of warning, such as car honks and bike bells, are muddled by music from headphones. Their eyes are glued to their phones, which remain constantly in hand. When students are distracted, a single misstep could mean the end of someone’s life. 

Technology is a cornerstone in our society, however, it has created a lack of awareness of students’ surroundings. This is something we’re all guilty of. Situational awareness, a general understanding of what is happening around you, is important to have in every space, especially when walking around a busy environment like campus. 

“For me, it’s more of a distraction because I just got done with a hard class, and I’m trying to not think for a second,” said public health freshman Jasmine Mircadeh. “I just want to mindlessly scroll or do something on my phone.”

Phones compromise pedestrian safety. According to a study by the Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering, phone usage at crosswalks has been linked to a decrease in safety for pedestrians. Safety precautions are thrown to the wind and blind trust is placed on stop signs and street lights. Students cross streets on campus while on their phones and without looking both ways, subsequently endangering themselves.

So, why are we so attached to our phones that we are willing to risk disastrous consequences? 

Phones can be seen as an escape, no matter how brief. According to Psychology Today, phones have been proven to stimulate the chemicals in our brains to make us happy. They give us easy access to all types of media, from music to social platforms to messages with friends. In the busy life of a UT student, time to relax is necessary, but phones don’t have to be the main resource for this, nor should they jeopardize our safety. 

The UT community has to be increasingly aware because of the poor infrastructure and crowded walkways on campus. Much of campus is undergoing construction with many of the sidewalks being completely blocked off. In some instances, construction vehicles can be found navigating crowds on campus. Between the busy streets that surround campus to the overcrowded walkways on it, students face many obstacles when walking from class to class, and technological distractions just further this problem.

“A lot of the infrastructure, like parts of Speedway, are blocked off, which makes it even more congested, and if you try to go to West Campus, a lot of the sidewalks are in disrepair,” said public health freshman Sheridan Meyer.

UT community members, whether they are walkers, scooter-riders or commuters, should be aware of the effects that technology has on their lives and the lives of others. Students should ensure that their phones don’t conflict with their safety and that they remain constantly aware of their surroundings when walking around campus. The use of technology should not affect your safety.

Thomas is a journalism freshman from Beaumont, Texas.