With M-A’s notoriously crammed student parking lot filled with new drivers, car collisions are common. Between limited space, students in a time crunch, and just two busy entrances, accidents are likely to occur.
Because these incidents occur on school property, they come with additional responsibilities and procedures that students should be aware of. Whether involving another vehicle or a pedestrian, the situation should be addressed immediately, with full responsibility and accountability.
While the initial reaction may be panic or uncertainty, remaining calm is key. In the case of an accident involving a pedestrian, the driver must first assess any injuries and contact the appropriate authorities—whether that’s school staff, campus security, or emergency services, depending on the severity. It’s also critical to document the scene: take photos of the damage, gather witness accounts, and write down what happened from both perspectives.
If the incident involves a collision between two vehicles, those involved must exchange insurance information and report the crash to the proper authority, depending on the severity. In some cases, a police report may be necessary, especially if injuries or significant damage are involved. However, because the crash occurred on school grounds, students are expected to notify school staff or campus aides as well, even if the damage appears to be minor.
In the past, students have handled these matters with ease, navigating the situation without panic. “One morning while parking, I accidentally pressed on the gas and went over the curb and hit a tree, denting my front license plate,” an anonymous sophomore said. In these types of instances where a vehicle collides with property, notifying campus staff and aid is essential, no matter how small the matter may be.
Still, not all cases unfold so smoothly. Some students feel overwhelmed, unsure of what to do or who to call. “I immediately called my parents, and then some staff member that was coming out of the lot pulled over and called campus aid to come over,” junior Laila Krefetz said. “I was told to stay in the car until the fire department came, so I was just waiting in my car in complete distress.”
This kind of uncertainty often leads to hesitation or delayed action. In these moments, guidance from the AVP office or campus staff is essential to ensure that the situation is handled appropriately. School officials may also file an internal report or issue a school-based disciplinary action depending on the circumstances. School administration encourages students to report any incident, no matter how minor, to ensure proper documentation and follow-up.
Some blame the increasing number of car collisions on new teen drivers using their phones while driving on the roads. “The person behind me was on their phone, so they hit me,” junior Theo Leslie said. “They rear-ended me because they weren’t paying attention.” According to the National Safety Council, approximately 1.6 million crashes per year are due to on-road telephone use, a statistic that continues to rise annually as smartphone dependency grows, especially among teenagers.
To reduce these incidents, students are encouraged to avoid using their phones while driving, stay attentive, and save extra time to arrive at school to avoid rushing. Simple actions such as turning off notifications or using phone holders can make a big difference. If a crash does happen, knowing how to respond calmly, involve the proper staff, and follow school procedures makes the stressful situation easier to manage.
