Pedestrians and drivers alike need to pay better attention when they are traveling through the streets of campus and East Lansing.

Safety in travel is relatively simple - look both ways and pay attention to the world around you instead of talking on cell phones or listening to blaring music.

The issue of safety along Grand River Avenue was made real again most recently Tuesday night when a male MSU student, riding a bicycle, and a car collided during rush hour traffic.

This is just one of the misfortunes that have helped contribute to a 20 percent increase in the total number of accidents on Grand River Avenue each year. Four other accidents were reported on campus Tuesday.

In 2001, there were 237 accidents along East Lansing’s main drag, a notable increase from 190 in 2000. This is a problem.

While city officials are making plans to improve the safety of East Grand River with the possible addition of a pedestrian friendly median - much like the one running through downtown Grand River Avenue - people need to do their part by slowingdown and paying attention.

Since improvements in traffic were made on one of campus’ most dangerous intersections, Wilson Road and Farm Lane, the number of accidents have decreased.

Likewise, improvements along East Grand River Avenue would aid in the reduction of accidents and keep residents safer.

Community leaders can and should do their parts to increase safety, but ultimately, people need to be responsible for themselves.

The best way to reduce accidents is for people to pay attention. New medians and sidewalks will not alone stop accidents between speeding drivers on their cell phones and students rushing to class with their cappuccino in hand and headphones on.

If you are driving, watch out.

If you are bicycling, watch out.

If you are walking, watch out.

People need to lose the get-out-of-my-way attitude when travailing local routes.

One day, something might get in your way - and it will hurt.

Pay attention - it’s that simple.