Most students walking across campus are in a hurry. It doesn’t help when class starts in five minutes and the passing cars don’t stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.

Drivers should be prepared to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks, according to Illinois Rules of the Road. In any place other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk, pedestrians must give the right of way to drivers.

If pedestrians are waiting to cross the road, the approaching vehicle must come to a stop and allow the pedestrian to cross, said University Police Lt. Darren Mitchell.

In the case of an accident, fault is based on circumstantial evidence pending investigation. The person at fault depends on whether the driver failed to yield for a pedestrian or whether the pedestrian did something reckless, such as jump out in front of the car, Mitchell said.

Mitchell said if an officer sees a car failing to yield to a pedestrian, it is at the officer’s discretion to stop the driver and discuss the situation. A verbal or written warning and possibly a ticket could be issued to the driver.

Only cars on the same side of the road as pedestrians are required to yield the right of way, according to the Rules of the Road.

Both driver and pedestrian have a responsibility to stay safe; neither is always given the right of way. If the pedestrian gets hit, it doesn’t matter who’s right. He’s the one in the hospital, said DeKalb Police Lt. Jim Kayes.

“Don’t play chicken with the car. If you’re driving, don’t hit people. It’s a common courtesy which the whole world needs more of,” Kayes said.