If you’ve been to De Soto High School  recently, you’ve probably noticed the new speed bump in the front parking lot. The speed bump was put in to keep staff members and others safe while entering and leaving the school. Many students are upset about the speed bump and how it came so suddenly. While the speed bump is a good idea, some aspects of the speed bump could change.

For starters, the speed bump does not cover up the entire width of the parking lot. It ends right before the sidewalk, so cars dropping off do not have to go over it. This is causing many cars to go around the speed bump when leaving school. Even though the cars are slowing down, they might not be slowing down enough if they are just going around the speed bump.

Secondly, I personally was not aware of the dangers the staff members faced while walking into school, however, I am aware of all the dangers cars and people face in the back parking lot. Just this year a student was hit, there was a rear ending incident which left glass all over that portion of the parking lot, and multiple other crashes that left many cars damaged. There should be at least one speed bump put in the back parking lot to help keep students safe, too. If students at least know that there is a speed bump coming up, they will be more cautious when driving.

Finally, the decision to put a speed bump in should have been more publicized. Very few students knew that the speed bump itself was being put in, and even less knew why it was being put in. I think most of the backlash could have been avoided if students were more aware of why the speed bump was being put in.

The idea is good, but the execution of the idea could have been better. It was put in so close to the end of the year and could have caused serious damage if someone was not paying attention as they were leaving school that day. Additionally, the speed bump slows down cars when leaving, and while this is not bad especially with safety involved, it was a little surprising the first day it was put in. Despite some minor setbacks, I think the speed bump is a great idea that will ensure the safety of DHS.

No matter how the speed bump affects you, please be considerate and slow down both in the front and back parking lots. We should not need a speed bump telling us to go the speed limit. Please be safe and watch your speed, even if there are no speed bumps or police officers watching you.