02/18/2026
By Ron Dickerson

UMass Lowell has experienced separate tragedies in the past two weeks involving students and motor vehicles, one of them fatal. Even as all of us continue to process these deeply upsetting events, I wanted to take a moment to underscore some basic safety precautions.

UMass Lowell is currently reviewing pedestrian safety across campus. As part of the newly formed Campus Pedestrian Safety Task Force, the UMass Lowell Police and others are working to identify and implement improvements, in partnership with the City of Lowell.

Safety is also our collective responsibility. We work and learn — and many of us live — in a busy urban environment. Awareness is essential, both when we are drivers and when we are pedestrians around campus.

It is up to each of us to keep the following in mind:

  • As drivers, state law requires us to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Also, be aware of other drivers yielding for pedestrians. During this time of year especially, look out for people walking in the streets because of snowy sidewalk conditions.
  • As pedestrians, please use crosswalks. Obey walk and don’t walk signals. Even when you are in a crosswalk, be sure vehicles are stopping before you proceed.
  • Everyone, pedestrians and drivers alike, should take special care at dawn and dusk. Solar glare, darkness and rain can make it hard to see and be seen.
  • In a similar vein, those using e-scooters to travel around campus should be mindful of safety, especially in following traffic rules and remaining visible and alert.
As a university Police Department, the safety of those who live, learn and work at UMass Lowell remains our foremost priority.

Please stay aware and heed these precautions, for the safety of yourself and others.