Sixteen, such a glorious age. The time when almost everyone receives that special plastic that reads “Driver License.”
It is also when seemingly every person loses the knowledge gained in driver’s education classes.
My mother always told me, “A car is not a toy.” At the time, all I heard was “blah, blah, blah.” Now, I understand that phrase completely.
First tip: Follow the speed limit. Most people make their own rules, go over the limit and pretty much ride on top of the vehicle in front.
The speed limit on campus is 20 for a reason. Respect it and don’t get two inches away from the vehicle in front. Do not be surprised when a speeding ticket is issued because signs are posted everywhere.
Also, I noticed students don’t seem to understand the purpose of a stop sign. It is not there for decoration, people. The vehicle must come to a complete stop, not a pause.
Even if other cars aren’t present, this does not mean the “no cop, no stop” rule is OK on campus. A student could walk in front of the stop sign and, BAM, the student becomes as flat as a pancake.
Also, do not try to speed up to avoid stopping when a student is trying to cross the road. Pedestrians have the right of way, especially in a crosswalk. Be patient and let them cross even if it feels never-ending.
Also watch out for those pretty white lines drawn all over the parking lots. They are called parking spots. Stay between the lines. It’s not hard. Just don’t overdo it and pull too far forward to take up two spaces.
Use the “drawings” that look like arrows to your advantage. They will help keep things rolling smoothly in the parking lots. Do not go down the aisle with the arrow pointing toward you. You may get evil stares from the people in vehicles heading the right way.
The aisles with one arrow are not made for two cars to go down. Also, the parking spots go along with the direction of the arrows.
These rules and signs are not difficult and not meant to make people’s lives miserable. They help traffic go smoothly and reduce accidents on campus. A car is not a toy and never will be.
