GAINESVILLE, Florida. – The fall semester at the University of Florida officially began Thursday and state transportation officials reminded students of the importance of pedestrian safety.

Representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation and UF Police stood at one of the busiest intersections on UF’s campus, at the corner of University Avenue and 13th Street, to encourage safe behavior by pedestrians and drivers during rush hour from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Officials also stressed that they have made some of the safety improvements, such as two new raised crosswalks, adjusted traffic lights and better signage.

FDOT began working on pedestrian-friendly improvements around campus in 2021 after a UF freshman was struck and killed while crossing the street in December 2020.

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Maggie Paxton, who was only 18 years old, came from Jacksonville.

Just one month later, another student lost her life while crossing the same street.

This annual event takes place during the first week of school to educate the campus community about pedestrian, scooter and bicyclist safety, according to a press release.