Students breathed sighs of relief at the completion of Hillsdale Street construction last week, but drivers should not relax yet—Hillsdale Police will be extra vigilant about enforcing speed laws and seatbelt use for a while.
Drivers should be careful if driving over the 25 mph speed limit on Hillsdale Street as well as encouraging all passengers to buckle up. Section 710e of the Michigan Vehicle Code mandates that “Each driver and front seat passenger of a motor vehicle operated on a street or highway in this state shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt.” Police can pull violators over and issue them tickets.
Hillsdale Street is being targeted for more law enforcement in an effort to keep the many pedestrians on the road safe, as well as other vehicles. This is especially important after repaving the road, as drivers tend to go faster without realizing it.
“Every time you do a new construction, it turns a bumpy road into a race track,” Mike Wertz, director of campus security, said. “We want to create a safe environment for everyone.”
Hillsdale College campus security works closely with city and county police to keep the campus safe. The heavier enforcement will last until both parties feel drivers are used to the “new” road and slow down.
Police will not hesitate to pull vehicles over and issue tickets. However, the goal is a safe community, not money, Wertz said.
“They are not out to make a lot of money; that’s not what it’s about,” he said. “They also do not intend to target college students, but anyone who drives on that road.”
Many students who cross Hillsdale Street multiple times a day are glad to hear about the enforcement period.
“I’m okay with it, because I don’t want to get hit, and I don’t even have a car,” freshman Katie Mustazza said.
Others, who do drive, do not like the idea of more police officers around campus.
“I have a police-paranoia,” said junior Megan Martin. “I would hate to get a ticket.”