Safety Tips

Traffic Safety

Bicycle safety is important to the Merced College Campus Police.  We would like to see everyone exercise safety and caution when operating a bicycle.  We make the following suggestions:

  • Obey traffic signs & signals
  • Never ride against the traffic
  • Scan the road behind by looking over your shoulders
  • Choose the safe way to turn left
  • Follow lane markings
  • Be ready to brake
  • Never ride with headphones (CVC 27400 states it is unlawful to wear headphones in both ears)
  • Use headlights and taillights (CVC 21201 requires headlights and a reflector/taillight)
  • Always wear a helmet
  • Use hand signals
  • Keep bike in good condition

Skateboards, roller skates, scooters or any other device or toy propelled by human power, other than a bicycle or a wheelchair is and will be categorized as a non-motorized vehicle. Under, Board Policy 6752, it shall be unlawful to ride any of the above mentioned devices on the Merced College Campus. Bicycles are encouraged as a means of transportation; however, should not be used in the inner campus areas and should be parked in the bike racks provided on campus. All bicycles parked outside of the approved areas are subject to impound. Merced Community College District is not liable for any damages to or stolen bicycles on campus.

Pedestrians should be alert and use good judgment when crossing any street or parking lot on campus. Try to make eye contact with the driver of the vehicle. Do not text and drive.  Look both ways before stepping into the crosswalk or crossing the parking lots. Do not assume a vehicle can or will stop, even when at a designated crosswalk. PEDESTRIANS DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY ALL THE TIME.

Health Safety

In accordance with Board Policy/Administrative Policy 3550 and 3560, the enforcement of alcohol laws on campus is the primary responsibility of the Merced Community College Police Department.  The possession, sale, manufacture or distribution of any controlled substance is illegal under both state and federal laws.  These laws are strictly enforced by the Merced Community College Police Department.

All members of the campus community are subject to disciplinary action and /or criminal prosecution for the on-campus possession, use, sale, or distribution of any quantity of inappropriate prescription drugs or controlled substances as defined by State of California Health and Safety Code.

Merced Community College recognizes that drug and alcohol dependency are treatable conditions. Campus community members who suffer from a substance abuse problem are encouraged to seek help immediately. The Campus Counseling/ Career Development Center and medical staff in the Health Center are available for member assistance. Merced Community College also maintains a current listing of available off-campus counseling services, parent education workshops, self-help groups, and alcoholism/drug treatment centers.

Every member and organization of the College Community should be aware that all sexual assaults are prohibited by state law, and college policy, and will be viewed by Merced Community College as a serious matter. In addition to possible prosecution, the College may impose sanctions against students, student organizations, or faculty/staff members identified as committing or participating in sexual assaults. This institution will discipline persons identified as responsible for sexual assaults.

We are a tobacco-free district.  Board Policy 3570 prohibits smoking, the use of tobacco products, and/or the use of unregulated nicotine products (e.g. e-cigarettes) by students, staff, and visitors on any owned, rented or leased Merced Community College District property.

Please note: Smoking is prohibited in bus stops or any transportation facility as per California Penal Code 640.

PROHIBITED USE PRODUCTS

  1. Cigarettes
  2. Cigars
  3. All tobacco products (chew, snuff, etc.)
  4. Pipes of all kinds including hookahs, water pipes, and bongs
  5. Smokeless devices including non-regulated nicotine products
  6. Other smoking devices

ENFORCEMENT

  • The fine for smoking violations shall be $25.00 for the first time violator
  • If the same violator is issued subsequent citations the fine shall increase as follows:
  • Second offense $50.00
  • Third offense $75.00
  • Any subsequent violation to the third offense will be $75.00
  • Repeat violators may be subject to disciplinary action

The unapproved possession, use or sale of firearms, ammunition, fireworks, explosives, or any dangerous weapon is forbidden and subject to campus discipline and criminal prosecution. Approval for possession is by exception and granted through the Vice President of Administrative Services.

Weapons include, but not limited to any facsimile firearm,  explosive, any dirk, dagger, ice pick or knife having a fixed blade longer than 2-1/2 inches.  Any person who believes that he/she may properly possess a firearm or other weapon on campus or in a District center or other facility of the District must promptly notify the Vice President of Administration Services.  Refer to BP/AP 3530.

Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills are an annual opportunity for people in homes, schools, and organizations to practice what to do during earthquakes, and to improve preparedness.