We all know that it can get crazy out in the parking lot at Shasta College. People can get impatient, jaded, and even cruel.
Here are a few tips to help make it safe for both students and staff not just in the lots here at Shasta, but wherever you go.
Do not use the bus lane for dropping off or picking up students.
Do not block the bus lane. Buses are large and have many blind spots and parking unsafely (also illegally) can cause a wreck.
Keep an eye out for students as you drive through the parking lot. Many students are in a hurry to get to class or an appointment and are often distracted.
Check behind you thoroughly before backing up.
Keep cell phone use in your car limited to being parked to remain alert.
Numerous accidents and near-misses have occurred this semester due to cell phone use by drivers as well as pedestrians.
It is also illegal in California under California Senate Bill 1613 to use a cell phone in a car while driving without a hands-free device.
Violators are subject to a measly $20 fine for the first offense and $50 for each recurring offense.
The bill states that there exceptions for calls to “law enforcement agencies for emergency purposes, or emergency services personnel while operating an authorized emergency vehicle.”
Please do not block someone who has pulled into a parking space and is trying to back out. If you have blocked someone, please make sure you move to allow them out of the spot when needed.
If you see someone with their turn signal on waiting on a person to back out of a spot do not attempt to steal the spot.
This happened to me a few weeks back and it really ticked me off.
We exchanged words, kindly at first and let’s just say it didn’t end well conversationally.
Fortunately I have restraint. I left and found another spot which did make me late to class. Thank you for that!
Having heated words brings us to retaliation and road rage!
Do NOT engage in such behavior!
If being late for class and someone being discourteous is enough to ruin the day, or at minimum, the moment, imagine how your life will be when you lose your license, car towed and possible jail time… depending on the severity of the retaliation.
You will be in a world of hurt and then you still have to finish school somehow.
Littering is also illegal and dangerous, especially when it is a cigarette butt.
The embers can and do cause a plethora of brush and forest fires annually throughout the nation.
California, as usual, will be especially dry in the Summer.
Speeding in the parking lot is always dangerous.
The many vehicles scattered throughout the lots make it difficult to see lower vehicles and pedestrians.
Staff parking is for staff members only.
Emergency parking is for emergency vehicles only.
Handicap parking is for handicap-labeled vehicles only.
No parking means NO PARKING!
If you see someone who seems to be in a hurry and you have some extra time to spare, yield to them and give them the right of way.
Being courteous is always appreciated if they let you know or not.
If someone is courteous to you, be courteous back and thank them with a simple hand gesture… one with ALL of your fingers up and together.
Spread some positive energy about the area.
As you go about your day search for one act of courtesy that you can do to brighten someone’s day.
The smaller things seem to matter more.
Men, we live in an “enlightened nation,” but holding a door open for a woman is one of the simplest gestures you can do to encourage happiness.
Women, we are not so “enlightened” that we need to forget a simple “thank you” for a door being opened for you.
The simple things in life are what make life really worth living for.
Go live!
No comments:
Post a Comment