Staying Safe in The Hallways and Parking Lots

The high school has about 1,200 students, 1,200 backpacks, and somehow very few people who actually look up while walking. Hallway safety has always been a major issue, and it’s even become a hazard for students trying to get to class on time. The school parking lots aren’t much better either. With impulsive and sometimes clueless drivers, the parking lots can feel like a nightmare maze, not just for students, but for teachers and administrators too. So, here’s a list of tips on how to stay aware and look out for others as well.

First, and the most obvious for the hallways, DON’T BE A SLOW WALKER. If, while reading this, you thought, “Oh, that’s not me,” it’s most definitely you. There’s nothing worse than trying to get to class and having someone in front of you moving slower than a snail, completely blocking your way. Please, on behalf of everyone, become more aware of your walking pace. Now, if you really need to stroll like a grandma while pretending to be the main character, go ahead, but at the very least, don’t walk in the middle of the hallway. Stick to the right. Not only will you avoid being shoved or bumped into, but you’ll also help the student who woke up late and is sprinting to class to avoid a late slip.

Next up, one of the most chaotic safety issues of all: the school parking lot. It can be a terrifying place for teenage drivers, speaking from experience. One of the worst experiences in the parking lot is when someone is accidentally in the wrong lane. It’s incredibly irritating, especially when adult drivers do it. It doesn’t matter if the left lane looks shorter. If it’s not the correct one, don’t move over. Tip: there are two lanes when pulling into the high school parking lot. The one on the right, near the band room doors and gym entrance, is for parent drop-off. The other line, closer to the tennis courts, is for student drivers and people parking. Follow this rule, and everything will run much more smoothly.

If you have a short temper when it comes to driving, arriving earlier may help to relieve the stress. “I always try to get to school around 7:20 [AM] to get my favorite spot in the parking lot,” says junior Sunday Marcontuno. This gives you plenty of options for parking spots and time to “car-rot” before the long school day filled with a variety of “I want to go home” moments. Overall, when it comes to safety, the most important thing is to stay calm. Whether it’s in the hallways or driving in the school parking lot, remaining calm and aware of your surroundings makes the chaos much more manageable.