u/pink_coat_commie

Hey! Just want to give a quick heads up to all students moving to Columbia this semester, either as freshmen or upperclassmen.

Please, for the love of God, take off your headphones when walking through downtown during high traffic hours. From 11am-1pm or 5-6pm, please just don't put on noise canceling headphones. Most of USC campus is not just campus. It's where everyone in the nearby area works. Every year, one of y'all just walks in front of a car without looking at the crosswalk sign or when the crosswalk sign has 0.5 seconds left on it. Yes, as a pedestrian, you legally have the right of way. However, that Ford truck is going whether you want it to or not and it might not have time to brake when you absent mindedly walk into the road thinking you have time to make a break for it. For your safety, stay attentive.

In addition, when driving, you have turn signals for a reason. Please use them. No, braking is not a signal. Nobody knows where you're going or what you're doing. Are you merging? Are you turning? Nobody knows. You're gonna get rear-ended. Much love, please, and thank you.

I'm not saying this out of hate, I genuinely love seeing others from different walks of life calling this place home. It's beautiful and I love my city. However, please be smart. I wouldn't be saying these things if I didn't witness them happen first hand every semester. I'm not your dad, but learn from others dumb experiences.

Sincerely,

Some guy who has lived here his whole life

Edit: If you have autism, I get it. My whole family is neurodivergent. I have severe ADHD. I've grown up surrounded by autistic people. I get the world is loud, and sometimes you need to drown it out. But you need to realize there's a severe safety risk to dampening one of your senses when out in the busiest city in the state.

And if you're a grown ass adult, this post isn't about you. I made this post because I have personally almost hit multiple students who act like deer crossing the road. These kids don't get crossing a 5 lane road during rush hour requires your full attention. Get off your phone. Use your turn signals. That's all I meant.