As UA students move in, police urge traffic safety

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - Police want to remind the public to be cautious around the University of Arizona as students kick off move-in days Wednesday, Aug. 15.

Drivers should anticipate an increase in traffic as the semester begins.

"I would give yourself a five to 10-minute extra window just for the first few days. Until our drivers are used to driving on the streets, where to park, where to go," said Rene Hernandez with the campus police department.

Police also urge drivers to watch for students walking, bicycling or skateboarding near campus. Owen Anderson is beginning his first year at the U of A and uses his skateboard to get around campus.

"Just make sure to watch for ... pedestrians and skateboards and bicycles instead of just cars, especially around campus and on, like, Third Avenue, which is bicycle highway," he said.

Police said they will be upping patrols as the semester begins to remind folks to stay safe. Hernandez said those who live or work near campus should adjust their routine.

"We just want to remind a lot of our Tucson drivers to kind of take extra time when heading to work in the morning just so we know that we're going to have that extra traffic on campus and around the university," he said.