Student hit by vehicle near campus entrance

A USF student was hit by a vehicle Monday at about 9 a.m. near campus on Fletcher Avenue and USF Palm Drive.

The student is in a non-life-threatening condition, said University Police (UP) spokeswoman Lt. Meg Ross.

UP provided assistance at 8:54 a.m. Ross said the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HSCO) was also on scene.

“We went out and provided traffic control,” Ross said. “It is being handled by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.”

Tyler Shepard, a senior majoring in mass communications, said he lives off of Fletcher Avenue.

“I definitely think people should look both ways,” he said.

According to the Florida Driver’s Handbook for 2010, “It is the motorist’s responsibility to do everything possible to avoid colliding with pedestrians. Bicyclists, skaters and skateboarders in a crosswalk or driveway are considered pedestrians. Turning motorists must stop for pedestrians at intersections and driveways, even when the crosswalk is not marked, as these are also legal crosswalks. Motorists must stop or yield as appropriate for pedestrians crossing the street or driveway at any marked mid-block crossing, driveway or intersection without traffic signals.”

In 2008, 4,414 pedestrians were killed nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Drivers always have to be safe,” Shepard said, “and pedestrians need to be more aware.”

HCSO could not be reached for comment.