Accidents prompt safety awareness blitz

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohio State University has enlisted an army of volunteers to raise awareness of traffic safety on campus after a rash of crashes involving pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.

The Columbus Dispatch reports that 200 volunteers in fluorescent green T-shirts will descend on the university's busiest crosswalks and intersections Friday to distribute traffic-safety pamphlets.

Four incidents have been reported in the past 2 ½ weeks where students were seriously hurt when struck while walking or riding bikes.

A task force of students and faculty and staff members plan to review the university's existing efforts and look for new opportunities to promote safe travel on campus. The group of about 25 people is scheduled to meet for the first time Thursday and make recommendations by Oct. 1.