You put the key in the ignition and hit the gas. Flying down the road by yourself for the first time, you feel free. Getting a driver’s license is one of the most exhilarating moments in a teenager’s life, but students soon realize that driving isn’t all fun and games, especially around other new drivers. These tips are what your classmates want you to know when you’re on the road.
#1: Slow down
Whether it’s driving near Davis Library, Giant or in the student parking lot, students are often seen speeding down the roads. Specifically in the residential area near Davis, students tend to neglect the speed limits that aren’t posted.
“People need to know that the residential areas have a speed limit of 20,” senior Lucas Knapp said.
This risky behavior is not only breaking the law, but also poses a danger to residents of the neighborhoods surrounding the school. Runners, dog walkers, or parents with young children all have unpredictable behavior, which, coupled with the parked cars creating obstructed views, could result in accidents. In these situations, likely, a speeding car wouldn’t be able to stop before it hits someone.
“Some kids don’t really know how to drive. They drive too fast through the neighborhood. I’ve seen many people almost run students over,” junior Nate Camps said.
Especially after school, people are eager to get away from the traffic and congestion that builds up. But speeding up makes it more difficult for your fellow students to also get home safely. It could be your own friend who flies right by you.
“People are really impatient, which is just really frustrating,” junior Gabriella Martinez said. “Sometimes you have to get out of your parking spot and people are just zooming along the road.”
Of teenage car crashes in 2023, 34% were a result of speeding. Slowing your speed is one of the most effective ways to keep yourself and those around you safe when entering and exiting school.
#2: Pay attention to your surroundings
Despite knowing its benefits, paying attention to your surroundings is something that many students seem to struggle with when on the road.
“Some things I’ve seen are people just running straight red lights, which isn’t the best decision, especially turning out of the student lot,” senior Moryah Cohen said.
Distracted driving, whether it’s from your phone, music or your friends, can lead directly to a car accident. In 2024 alone, distracted driving killed approximately 3,000 people, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“The car was at a red light and [the other car] didn’t realize because they were on their phone and they rammed right into them,” senior Elsa Fulton said.
If you’re not able to completely concentrate on your driving, it’s unsafe to be behind the wheel. Sending one last text, forgetting to survey an intersection or to stop at a stop sign are all putting your and others’ lives on the line.
#3: Fix your parking
Students have claimed to be most irritated by their classmates’ inability to park correctly. The common concern with problematic parking seems to be blocking other people.
“When they don’t pull up close enough to another car and it blocks other potential parking spots…So irritating,” Martinez said.
Parking near the Davis library is a popular option for students, specifically juniors who don’t have parking passes. But spots fill up fast in the morning, and for those parking further into the neighborhood, it’s important to be considerate of the residents.
“Some people park in front of people’s driveways so they are blocking people who actually live in the neighborhood,” Camps said.
When parking, make sure you maintain a careful distance from the other cars, especially when driving around to find a spot. If an accident does happen, taking accountability isn’t just courtesy, it’s the law.
“Last week, I was getting out of my car and I saw someone hit my friend’s car, then park on the other side of the parking lot,” senior Parker Lamoureux said.
Whether you’re an experienced driver or just got your license yesterday, it’s important to exercise caution when you’re behind the wheel. Don’t sacrifice the well-being of those around you just for the sake of fun. Following these tips will help create a safer and smoother experience for the community.
“Drive the speed limit, use your signals, just drive safe,” Cohen said.
