At Kent State University, the weather is warming up and spring is on its way. Campuses are bustling with students on the go, juggling schoolwork, extracurriculars and relaxing.
However, it is important to take a moment and make sure that your car is ready for the new season. From routine maintenance to staying alert and safe, here are some car safety tips to keep you prepared throughout the spring semester.
Many students who don’t use their cars regularly face a common problem: dead batteries. Cars parked in lots farther from campus, especially Dix Stadium, are often left untouched for long periods of time.
“We know that some students don’t check on their cars that often,” Vance Voyles, police sergeant in the Department of Public Safety, told Kent State Today. “So sometimes their batteries die. In that case, both Kent State Police and Parking Services can jump your car for you.”
Routinely checking in on your vehicle also ensures that it’s in good condition for the spring semester. Small maintenance steps, such as checking if there’s enough windshield wiper fluid, are simple but crucial.
“Make sure you’re replacing your windshield wiper fluid regularly and opt for the frost-proof type to prevent freezing,” Voyles said.
Keeping an eye on the car’s overall health, including tire pressure and lights, will help ensure that it’s ready for the warmer months ahead.
With the nicer weather approaching, more students will most likely walk between classes. With pedestrians and vehicles sharing the same spaces on many areas of campus, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Distracted driving, particularly from drivers being on their phones, is a concern on and near campus.
"We’re a walking campus, but roads still run through campus,” Voyles said. “If you’re driving, especially around crosswalks, stay alert and look out for pedestrians. On Terrace Drive, we would love it if students looked up more at that crosswalk. Even if students could be more courteous and let a few cars go by so traffic doesn’t get piled up, that would be great.”
While parking on campus, there are many things to consider for both you and your car’s safety. Across the nation, catalytic converter thieves are targeting parked cars. The precious metals found inside tempt thieves to steal and sell them. Mounted right beneath the vehicle, thieves could easily access and steal them from parked cars in less than two minutes.
“Catalytic converter theft is a concern nationwide,” Voyles said. "While we’ve had some issues with this on campus last semester, some of the parties responsible for the thefts have been identified and the investigations are still ongoing."
Catalytic converter thieves often target cars parked in isolated areas.
“They hit cars that are parked far away from other cars because they’re able to drive up on both sides of the vehicle,” Voyles said. “This way, they can do something bad and nobody will notice.”
Although it might seem safer to park far away from other cars to avoid dents and dings, parking closer to the group is the safer option.
Additionally, students are encouraged to stay alert when leaving or approaching their vehicles.
“Pay attention when you get out of your cars. Try and notice if anyone is walking around you, especially at night,” Voyles said. “You should keep an eye out for yourself and other people. And if you see anything, call the police.”
Whether you’re parked on or off campus, it’s important for students to be on the lookout for potential scams. Although few have occurred on campus, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. A common scam is for thieves to put something, like a flyer, on the back windshield in hopes that drivers will get out and grab it.
“Do not get out to take it off. Someone can jump in the front seat and take off with your car,” Voyles said.
No one plans to have an emergency, but being prepared and alert makes all the difference in a tough situation.
“It’s good to have water and nonperishable snacks in your car in case your car breaks down on the road,” Voyles said. “Sometimes you can’t predict how long you might be stuck in one place.”
Although the weather is warming up, there are still some chilly days ahead. It's important to prepare for the possibility of a breakdown on a cold day.
“I mistakenly ran out of gas when it was very cold outside. In the half hour it took for someone to get to me, it got cold in my car really quick,” Voyles said. “You should always keep emergency blankets or a change of clothing in your backseat or trunk.”
If students run into any car troubles or safety concerns while on campus during spring semester, Kent State Police and the Department of Public Safety are here to help.
“A lot of people tend to not call us because they feel guilty or like they’re wasting our time,” Voyles said. “You don’t have to feel guilty; we are here for you. If you need help, give us a call”