Golf cart parked outside of Safety and Security [Doyle Hall]
Photo: Chris Doody
BY GENEVIEVE BLUMBERG, STAFF WRITER
On the bright spring afternoon of March 19, Lily Peterson, a freshman health science major, was making her routine walk from Loughlen Hall to a class at Francis. Listening to music, while still on high alert for scooters and cars, Lily was nearly hit by a full golf cart driving close to her side.
“If I had moved at all from the path I was walking on, I probably would have been hit,” said Peterson.
After the close encounter, the golf cart did not slow as it turned the corner into the Francis parking lot.
“One of the guys sitting by the door nearly fell out,” said Peterson.
And Peterson is not alone.
“I was walking on the sidewalk, and I almost got hit by a golf cart by the Francis and Clare bench behind the library,” said Leah Anson, a freshman strategic communication major. “I just don’t think they were watching where they were going.”
Gary Segrue, director of Safety and Security, addressed the rules regarding the use of the campus golf carts.
“Anyone utilizing the golf carts are requested to exercise safe operation relative to speed and obeying traffic control devices such as stop signs,” said Segrue. “Failure to do so will result in the inability to utilize the golf carts in the future.”
Use of golf carts is coordinated by the office of Safety and Security.
“University departments determine which visitors need to be transported or who from their department utilizes the golf cart for their event,” said Segrue. “Safety and Security will transport members of the campus community if there is a safety, medical or organizational need.”
Whether or not users strictly adhere to them, Segrue said there is a purpose for all golf carts in use on campus.
“Golf carts allow the university a more flexible way to transport visitors and individuals who have mobility concerns, outside of winter months,” said Segrue. “Golf carts are allowed to maneuver within the interior of campus where there are no roadways.”
