The USM parking garage has seen 16 crashes in 20 days
USM Reports 16 Collisions in 20 Days at Bedford Street Parking Garage
Portland, ME – Students and faculty at the University of Southern Maine (USM) have experienced a spate of vehicle accidents in the campus parking garage on Bedford Street, prompting campus police to issue a safety advisory after 16 collisions were recorded over the past 20 days.
USM Police Chief Gráinne Perkins released a letter to the university community on Sunday. In the message, she noted the surprisingly high number of incidents in a “relatively short period of time” and identified inattentive driving and excessive speed as the main culprits.
“The parking garage is a shared space where people operate in close proximity,” Perkins said. “Even at lower speeds, a moment of inattention can result in property damage, or more seriously personal injury.”
The letter urges drivers to slow down, avoid distractions, and exercise caution when negotiating corners and ramps. It also reminds people to be mindful of pedestrians and other vehicles, and to report any crashes or damage to university police. “We will continue to investigate incidents and take appropriate enforcement action, including pursuing criminal charges where warranted,” Perkins added.
The Bedford Street garage has been the site of a daily crash over the last three weeks, raising concerns among students, faculty, and staff. While the university spokesperson declined to comment further on the issue Monday, the campus police department has been actively monitoring the situation and encouraging safe driving habits.
USM’s parking facilities are used by thousands of commuters each week, and the recent string of collisions has highlighted the need for heightened vigilance in a space that combines high traffic density with limited visibility. The police chief’s letter serves as both a reminder and a warning: in a setting where vehicles and pedestrians move in close quarters, even a brief lapse can lead to significant damage or injury.
Students and faculty who experience or witness an incident are encouraged to report it immediately to campus police. The department will evaluate each event and, if necessary, pursue enforcement actions that could include criminal charges.
With the academic year in full swing, the university hopes that this reminder will help reduce the number of accidents and keep the campus community safe.
