This year, Ladue administrators have implemented speed bumps into the high school’s parking lots. The change came in response to the safety concerns from previous incidents involving walking pedestrians.

“We noticed that a lot of students were speeding in the parking lots,” said parking manager Jennifer Couch. “In fact, last year, we had at least two instances where a parent or a teacher was almost hit by a student’s car because of speeding issues.” The hope is that the bumps decrease the number of full-fledged accidents and close-call situations.

“I think it will definitely make a change. It’s too early to tell their effectiveness, but I know that it’s made some kids slow down to avoid flying over the bumps,” said Couch. On the flip side, the newly-placed speed bumps have also invoked negative reactions from some students.

Jeffrey Wang is a senior that drives himself to and from school every day. He said, “Especially in the mornings, when I’m trying to get to my parking spot quickly, it’s really a hassle to go over the speed bumps. Before and after school, the bumps introduce extra congestion into an already crammed area.” He also highlighted another complaint.

According to Wang, “When I have fragile things in my car, the bumps are an issue–so I’m forced to add extra packing to my stuff that I’m transporting.” Besides the minor annoyances, the hope is that the bumps improve safety around LHWHS, no matter what.

“I agree, [the bumps] promote good driving practice,” said Wang. “Although, I think the number of bumps could be lessened. It makes sense to limit speed bumps only to longer stretches of the parking lot. ”

For now, the speed bumps will remain, serving as physical reminders against the potential costs of reckless driving.

“At the end of the day, the biggest change needs to be an increase in student awareness in the lot especially because of the construction and the people in the parking space,” Couch said.