Contact: Crystal Drake, Office of Strategic Communications
A Micro-Mobility Task Force, led by Tuskegee University Chief of Police Darrius Jones, has been working to ensure the campus is as safe as possible for student scooter users. This week, 100 safety helmets were given out to students on campus with a clear message to wear a properly fitted helmet and appropriate protective equipment on every ride.
The Task Force includes members of the faculty, staff and Student Government President, Kennedi Maxwell. For Chief Jones, the effort is also a family affair – his wife, Nikita Jones, donated all one hundred helmets.
“As a part of the Tuskegee University family, my wife and I know the entire Tuskegee University Police Department is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of every student so I am happy to support with this donation,” said Chief Jones. “We encourage every student with a new helmet will wear it every single time they use their scooters to help ensure their safety.” 
Dr. Mark A. Brown, president and CEO, will personally match the donation with 100 additional helmets being delivered to campus later this semester.
Chief Jones urges students to remember that a safe ride starts with making good choices before they begin moving, including wearing a properly fitted helmet and appropriate protective equipment every time they ride.
“We advise students to keep their speed at 15 MPH or below, follow traffic signals and signs, respect pedestrian right-of-way, slow down around crowded areas, and give pedestrians and other riders plenty of space,” said Chief Jones.
Chief Jones noted that when these simple precautions are overlooked, a scooter ride could instead lead to an injury, damage to property, missed classes, or worse.
“We want our students to enjoy the freedom and convenience of micro-mobility while making choices that keep safety priority number one for everyone.”
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