Number of MIS/HPMS Carpool Lane Offenders on the Rise
On March 22 another e-mail went out to parents asking for cooperation with carpool lane procedures. This was something like the 900th reminder of the sort during this school year. It looks like a few people were still fuzzy on the rules this morning. More awesome photos after the jump.
Mon, March 22, 2010 2:34:11 PM
MIS/HPMS Traffic Safety
From: Laurie Norton
LOL! Awesome pic; you managed to catch every violation simultaneously!
I’m sorry. Do you mean me? Moi? But the rules never apply to me. Don’t you know who I am? I’m so busy I need to just jump ahead of these slow pokes and get to where I’m going. And my daughter has to carry her violin and we don’t want her hair to get frizzy from the humidity so I have to just pull . . . in . . . right . . . THERE! And what’s the big deal anyway? I’m such a good driver that I can scoot in here and not bother anyone. Because I’m me. I’m entitled to create my own rules.
Is anyone out there attempting to manage or direct? Teachers, parents, police, PTA?
All I know is how its run at Bradfield, which is reasonably well-done. I once had a stiletto-booted Mom stand in the middle of Southern, and put heel of said boot up on my bumper to let cars exit the end of carpool, when she thought that I had incorrectly exited the carpool in the middle (in the morning, once you are in carpool, you stay in it). Power to her, she kept it moving and orderly!!
So at MIS, is there anyone outside to manage the flow? Has Principal Norton ever called anyone in to her office to have a little chat, as Dr. McNutt allegedly did with one middle-of-the-road drop-off parent.
I agree – I think we need someone out there “enforcing” in front of MIS/HPMS. No matter how many reminders go out, there will be no decline in violators until there are some consequences. I promise I am not a violator, but I do have a question — if I am headed north on High School Avenue and there is not a cue line to enter yet, but I am attempting to turn right onto Granada to get into the cue line, that one crossing guard ALWAYS tries to get me to go to the left of the cue line, which would cause me to have to drop my kid off either in the middle of the road or I would have to cut in front of others in the cue line. I refuse and end up getting in the cue line, but he is always yelling at me to go around. What am I supposed to do?
I do not understand why adults would think it is okay to “cut” into line – did they not go to kindergarten? Why do they think they are entitled to cut in front of those of us who have been patiently waiting our turn? Not only that, but they always cut into the prime space in front of the doorway! And they do this even though it is very dangerous for their and other people’s children. It is infuriating and makes the MIS/HPMS carpool line the most stressful time of my day.
I’d like to say I feel better after that rant. But I do not since I know tomorrow I will see the same type of behavior. It is unbelievable, really.
@ Sharpay – At what point did you forget you were in Highland Park? It’s almost a REQUIREMENT that HP parents don’t think “rules” apply to them (or their kids).
I am there every morning- and the same cars “cut” or drop off in the middle of the street every day. I almost hit one child last week- scared me to death. SO- I would so support taking pictures every morning of offenders or why can’t we get a UP cop to just stand there for the 20 minutes ? I’ll buy the coffee and donuts!
Absolute worst part of the day! Bradfield is militant about carpool … but you have to say … it works! Love when the police woman is out there in the afternoons. She is my hero!
Save the planet! save your sanity! have more time for coffee or tennis! Drop your darlings off early to school and pick them up 10 minutes late. I promise they will not wither.
We do not have a carpool line like preschool where the teacher will put your sweeties in the car for you. These are big kids – they can walk a block or two – even in the rain! Pick them up on Golf….be creative.
If you really want to help, email your pta presidents or the admin and put your name down to volunteer.
It is happening almost every day now. You wait in line and someone cuts in front of you.
@TH
That is Dennis and he thinks it is his job to keep the traffic moving (and it may be his job I don’t know). If you are caught in that trap you can move up to the area of the cue line just west of the tennis courts, as it is almost always empty….you don’t have to drop your kid off at the “prime space” in front of the door.
@Sharpay
You have identified the main problem: dropping the kids off at the “prime space”. The cue line actually goes up to the tennis courts. If we all tried to pull as far up the lane as possible I think it would make things easier. The trouble is that out kids would have to (shudder) W.A.L.K 50 yards.
Thanks @James Tucker – I didn’t know I could move up to the front near the tennis court area and drop the kiddo off — I thought that was still “cutting” somehow in that it might block people from the “prime space” backwards while I hurry my kid out. You are right that if everyone pulled up to the tennis courts and past the “prime space”, everyone might be able to fit it. Last week I actually saw a mother “parked” in the “prime space” braiding her daughter’s hair in the front seat!
Why why why can’t they have a cop there at the drop off/pick up point with…….. a whistle and a big flag that stands in the street and marches up to every car that is an offender and stops them! The cop would blow whistle, pointing the big flag at the person that was: double parked for drop off/pickup or cutting into the line: the officer would not let the kid get out of the car of the offending vehicle – he would demand the kid get back in the car and for the parent (or nanny) to drive around and get back into the lane properly – or if it’s a picking up situation they would prevent the kid from getting in the car – demanding the offender drive off and come around and do it properly. If the driver starts to pitch a fit – the cop demands liscense and registration – and issues a ticket – costing $500.00. That’s first offense, it doubles each subsequent time, like the Highland Park fines for loose dogs. The big red flag could read “DRIVE ON MORON, YOU CANNOT STOP THERE!”
OR – the officer has a digital camera, snapping pictures of each offender – then mailing them the $500.00 ticket (that doubles with each additional offense).
We could add that the officer has a paintball gun that they shoot the offending vehicle with, then everyone knows that if you are driving with bright orange paint splotches on your car you were one of the parents driving like an priveledged, self important a$$hole at school.
Said officer would also be nudging everyone to pull up in the line as other’s exit it, rather that stubbornly or cluelessly staying parked where they are, leaving big gaps in the pickup lane – encouraging the self important boobs to cut in line in the first place. You don’t move, you get the paintball. If a driver exit’s their car – they get the paintball (and a $500.00 ticket).
It’s been 4 years since I did my 4 years over there and I still feel my blood pressure going up when I think about it…..obviously……soooo thankful my last kid is driving now!
@goearlyorpickuplate – your idea is logical and works for some families but not all. Many of us with children in several schools have a tight schedule. Using our family as an example, we have to get the elementary school child to school by 8:00, our middle schooler to MIS by 8:15, and our four year-old to preschool by 8:30. Getting up any earlier would be hard on everyone, and especially the littlest child.
I would love to have my children walk but we live too far from their schools to make walking practical (although we do enjoy walking from time-to-time).
And I agree about the prime space issue. I would pull up to the tennis courts to let my child out but for the carpool violators who whiz in and prevent me from being able to move forward.
The correct term is queue.
But, Sharpay, you could drop your MIS kid off on Golf and she/he could walk a block, cross at the crosswalk with Dennis, and have alot of fun. My Elem kid walks 3 blocks to/from school everyday!
Kmom, that’s why I’m trying so hard to get Merritt to sign up for safety patrol next year. The flag could say instead: Smile your on the PCP Blog!
My final idea is to make all the cross streets: Granada, Binkley, Shenadoah, ONE WAY : alternating. That way I don’t have to risk life limb and rear view mirror.
THIS is an awesome idea! “My final idea is to make all the cross streets: Granada, Binkley, Shenadoah, ONE WAY : alternating. That way I don’t have to risk life limb and rear view mirror.”
Yes, it’s a good idea or people could just follow the dang rules. Or we could start bussing.
Why do these parents at Middle School feel compelled to TAKE these over-indulged, lazy, hormonal, spoiled kids to school? Believe me, walking is good.
People cut in line because some people have to go to work and don’t have time to wait for the person in front to finish texting the maid. Come on guys, let the PTA pay for a street person to guard the lines or deal with it!!
What do you mean “start” bussing. When they redistricted back in ’91 or ’92 and lumped us all the way over on Bryn Mawr and Douglas(5 blocks from Hyer) into Bradfield (23 blocks away) Dr. Connoly’s (sp?) genius solution was for us to take the Dart bus. So, we did. I didn’t walk 10 miles uphill in the snow everyday, but we did take the public bus to a few blocks away and then walk. Didn’t hurt me a bit, kids can absolutely walk a couple blocks, probably do them some good.
Kersten is 100% right, can’t we just follow the rules? Where are the consequences for not following correct car-pool protocol? Can we make them ticketable infractions?
I was kidding about the bussing. And having just returned from afternoon carpool pick I noticed that there are lots of construction vehicles and teachers who park on Shenandoah and High School. Surely once it’s finished, teachers will get some new parking spaces in the back and the tradesmen are gone, it will be better.
It will be better. Won’t it? New parking spaces?
I think Merritt got a pic of GMOM – and GMOM wants you to just DEAL WITH IT! I guess that means she’ll just deal with it when her kid is smushed under an Expedition trying to get to the sidewalk from the middle of the street where she kicks him out.
@ kmom – The paint gun idea is perfect. Reminds me of (I think Gallagher?) and the “stupid” darts you would shoot at cars that did dumb things. When a cop saw a car with a bunch of the darts on it, they would haul them off.
Loved it today! The police lady patrolling but I guess where she was standing no one could see her until she walked up to their cars and forcefully told them to move (the late moms who were forming and double line and who constantly trap the early moms in the carpool line!) Merritt, I started to take a picture for you of a black Lexus SUV that actually stopped beside the carpool line in the middle of the street … right in front of the 5/6 door, and proceeded to turn on her hazard lighs while waiting! At least she was considerate enough to turn her hazard lights on!
Love the Dart gun idea…. I bet we wouldn’t have any trouble getting dad volunteers then!
Until you get police assistance (or CPS involvement for child endangerment for requiring that your child cross an active traffic lane) it will NEVER change the sense of entitlement that CERTAIN (not all) of the parents feel.
It is always the same people – I only pick up anywhere near the school one day a week — and I see the same cars double parked (blocking the road such that cars that are not even in the carpool system can’t get by!) every week! And I can only assume that this is their “rightful” spot every day!
Merritt – I know you and Chief Adams are BFF – do you think he is reading these comments?
Seriously – I would feel terrible if I made my child cross and active carpool lane and he got hit (pain, suffering, medical bills, physical therapy, tutors) — but is it fair for me to impose my carelessness on the law-abiding citizen who hits him??? Imagine the guilt they will feel for hitting your rule-breaking child! BE FAIR to YOUR CHILD AND OTHER DRIVERS!!
Lastly (???) — what kind of example are you cheaters setting for your child?? Rules don’t apply to YOU — what makes you think that you are raising a child who thinks the rules apply to THEM?? How can you in good faith enforce any rules that you set at home?? They learn by example.
Is this where you sense of entitlement began? Your parents taught you that the rules didn’t apply to them – so by right of inheritance, they don’t apply to you?
AHHHH – I feel better – but sadly I know nothing will change. How depressing. It’s the CIRCLE OF LIFE in the bubble…
I would love to have a paint gun. That would keep the drivers of the mid-life crisis cars in line!
When we started kindgergarten at Bradfield, the carpool rules were so complicated I had to draw a Venn diagram and take my husband on a dry run. Seriously. But dam* it, I figured out the rules and follow them.
Others, on the other hand, unabashedly turn south from Mockingbird onto Douglas, cutting in front of hordes of patient, idling moms. Invariably these violators pick the days when it’s pouring down rain or I’m in my pajamas — so I haven’t had the pleasure of a confrontation . . . yet.
I would settle for a marshmallow gun. Poof, poof and a detailing ruined.
The crossing guard at the northwest corner of the school, who, in my humble opinion is the best in the whole district, directs you to make an “inner” line when you turn to go up that street in the morning or in the afternoon. If the end of what is apparently the only “correct” line is already behind you after you turn, just how should you pull up next to the curb or get in the carpool line? Should you just drive around and around the school until everybody gets out of the way? Now that’s productive. And how about waiting behind those cars with 5 or 6 boys or girls all riding together who are parked for SIGNIFICANT periods of time waiting for that last kid to straggle out? Should I sit behind them for 15 minutes while my daughter waits about 150 feet up the street or should i thoughtfully and carefully pull into an open spot between those carpool people who sometimes appear to be growing weeds around their wheels they’ve been there so long. The problem is people carelessly whipping into spaces, not the actual insertion of your car in an open space.
And while I’m at it, I saw a dad stop at a stop sign right next to a UP police officer who was filling in for my same favorite crossing guard and the dad had his stinking cell phone stuck to his ear. The police officer posing as a crossing guard couldn’t have been more than 10 feet from the side of the car. In fact, she had had to wave the Dad on the very important phone call through several times while he just went on with his conversation before he turned.
So you think the police would ticket a “Carpool” violation when they are not ticketing cell phone talking parents? How exactly would the ordinance read for a carpool violation? I can see it now: Violation 1 (Class A misdemeanor) You weren’t fair to the other drivers. Violation 2 (class B felony), you moved ahead of someone who has been sitting there 15 minutes for just one more kid in their carpool. Violation 3 (Class A felony) – you’re in real trouble now little missy), you followed the direction of the crossing guard and actually made a second line along Binkley about 3:35. Really, everybody just pay attention, be considerate and quit acting like you’re the most important family in the world and the only one that has to get a kid to some after school activity on a short time basis.
How long do I have to wait behind a non-moving vehicle in the carpool/pickup line before i can go around the stationery vehicle? Will that time limit be a defense to the Class B felony mentioned above? Just want to make sure that I understand the whole “cutting” concept. If I whip around the corner, slide up into a space barely big enough to hold my car, that is cutting right? But if I carefully go around somebody who is not moving and hasn’t been moving for a while, that is “cutting” to.
Also, do me a favor and don’t pull within 3 inches of my bumper so when my child goes to the trunk to put her instrument, backpack, sports equipment in or out of the trunk you won’t smash her when your impatient foot slips off the brake and you crush her between your bumper and mine.
kmom has the solution. Police officer firmly directing traffic with a big flag. Until then the spoiled, privileged park city mommies will do what they want. I would also add a “paddy wagon” nearby so when the expected unruly driver gets aggressive, handcuff her/him and sit them in the police vehicle. A few tickets and arrests with subsequent cell phone photos posted here would end the problem.
Monday morning was MADNESS!! Parents were pulling in like Nascar pit stops. Double lane drop offs – REALLY???? Sadly, one child missed getting hit by less than 1/4 inch. Someone is truly going to get hurt. As much as we all like to put cute jibs on this post, the reality is having a safe zone. It is the same people every day, seems to be white/cream Escalades, who park double no matter what is asked and no matter who tells them to move. If we all just pulled forward and acted like the educated adults we are, this would be unnecessary. We are all busy, you know.
I’m not going to bother to read through 36 comments, but isn’t ironic that the person taking the picture probably did so with a phone…which happens to be illegal in a school zone?
@Gagree, you are incorrect on this one. The person is parked. It is legal to use a cell phone in a school zone. Just don’t be moving. Plus, although I’m not positive on this part, I think the ordinance says nothing about the camera functionality of a cell phone.
I really think everyone needs to take a deep breath. There now, feel better?
Ok, Penny is not far off here. Except for the 5th graders who might still be 10 (fewer and fewer these days) for the most part you have mature kids who can handle crossing the street. We park across the street, and sometimes (gasp!) they don’t use the crosswalk. They look both ways, and run across to the car. I do not see how a double parked entrance/exit is really that dangerous – you are walking between 2 NON MOVING cars.
It’s actually the “green” solution because you are not idling your V8 engine for 15 minutes. Over 2000 kids get out at a time. I estimate 3-4 kids per carpool, thats over 500 cars. Go to http://www.thehcf.org/antiidlingprimer.html
According to this chart, if every car eliminated just 5 minutes of idling each day at MIS/HPMS, we would save 10,500 gallons of fuel, $31,500 of money, and reduce our carbon emissions by 220,000 lbs.
That’s real savings. Now take a breath, not full of exhaust fumes.
@Penny,
I think you highlighted one of the problems in your 10:49pm post:
“And how about waiting behind those cars with 5 or 6 boys or girls all riding together who are parked for SIGNIFICANT periods of time waiting for that last kid to straggle out? Should I sit behind them for 15 minutes while my daughter waits about 150 feet up the street or should i thoughtfully and carefully pull into an open spot between those carpool people who sometimes appear to be growing weeds around their wheels they’ve been there so long.”
Cars that bide their time in one location waiting for the stragglers is a problem. But why can’t your daughter W.A.L.K the 150 feet to get in your car?
With that question asked are you someone who feels it is imperative to drop your kid off at the 5/6 door or do you pull up as far as possible? Or would you consider, instead of cutting in line between cars (which is what you are doing, whether done thoughtfully or not), driving further up the queue to any empty space by the tennis courts?
Since you have posted so many different scenerios, I thought I would add my own…inquiring minds would like to know your answer
Ah, another of the vehicles Merritt photographed belonged to @Penny – the guilty dogs surely do bark the loudest. I’ve driven carpool to various schools for 18 years and have never seen it take “15 minutes” for 6 kids to exit a vehicle. Time it next time Penny, you will find that in your righteous lather that time is dragging in your mind, it’s probably more like 2-3 minutes. CHILLAX – your precious will be fine standing on the sidewalk for another 4-5 minutes.
The officer we are asking for would ask the carpool parent that is waiting for the stragglers to move forward – no dallying in place waiting for them – no leaving gaps unless kids are actively entering the vehicle.
Lastly, impatient Penny, if you haven’t gotten your kid a cell yet, unfortunately it’s the best answer to the pickup problems at this school. I never intended for my kid to have a phone in fifth grade, but 6 weeks of dealing with the hellish pickup situation and his dream came true. I’d call and tell him where I had settled and he would come to me. We didn’t use text then – a quick text once you have parked would be even better.
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@Penny … regarding should I just drive around and around the school until everyone has gotten out of the way? YES … I do it all the time.If I get there too late and there aren’t any spaces left — yes, I drive around the block, through all the traffic and construction at the back of the school, rather that block someone in or endanger a child. And yes, after I pick up my 5th grader I am usually racing to Frisco, Lewisville, Denton, Allen, etc. at rush hour for a soccer game! Where are you in such a hurry to go and how far away is it? Hope my child doesnt run into you … or should I say vice-versa!
@relax:
“We park across the street, and sometimes (gasp!) they don’t use the crosswalk. They look both ways, and run across to the car. I do not see how a double parked entrance/exit is really that dangerous – you are walking between 2 NON MOVING cars.”
Please don’t sue the poor person who hits one or more of your children when they have a lapse in “MATURITY” and one of the NON MOVING cars changes their mind and moves on, running over your darling!!! If this happened at Bradfield, as bdad mentioned, you would be in the principal’s office getting a lecture on not endangering your children’s lives! Or the life of the unfortunate person who hits them as they dash illegally across the street.
Query: How many parents out there REALLY consider their 5th-8th graders “mature” enough to make law-breaking, potentially life- endangering decisions correctly every time?
Yes, we all know that the most egregious actors in this scenario would also be the first to sue your a** off if your car bumped one of their precious offspring.
I think the worst is the queue lane on Granada, but Asbury isn’t too far behind when it comes to dangerous situations. That’s where a parent hit a child a few months ago. It’s such a mess. Chief Adams, if you are reading this, DO SOMETHING! We have been begging you to send officers. Their presence will help deter parents from making dangerous decisions. From parking in the middle of the roads, to lack of seatbelts, to letting kids jaywalk, we need visible officers to help us. No one has mentioned this, but I’ve seen cars moving down the street with kids standing up through the sun roofs or leaning out the windows! Please please Chief Adams, save us from ourselves!
Really? none of you have ever Jay Walked? This is Texas, not New York City. We have the right to bear arms, ride scooters without helmets, and even jay walk!
Volunteer your time if you are going to gripe. I am sure Principal Norton will get you a vest and set you up. No need to spend tax money.
Frankly I think Mr. Bohac is the best deterrent of all. Kids always use the crosswalk when he is around.
Couldn’t people who pull into the cafeteria/tennis court queue (I DO want to use the correct term here)PLEASE let their kids out as soon as they reach the sidewalk? Part of the reason that line takes so long is because it seems like most people wait to let their kid out until they get right to the door. It is SO ANNOYING!! I always just pull around to the front of the parking lot and let mine out. I’m so glad this is my 9th and final year at MIS/HPMS. I admit I’m more on the same wavelength as @relax, but what do I know? I’ve only had three kids go through the schools, and I’ve never come close to hitting a kid. However, I would love to ram my Yukon into the mom in front of me chatting on her phone, or with her kids, or whatever she is doing instead of making her child get OUT OF THE CAR!!!
MIS/HPMS is definitely where the UP Police Chief needs to focus his attention, not Hyer. I have actually been chased by a crazy carpool mom who tried to run me off the road after I accidentally almost skidded into her car(it was raining after a drought any my tires slid – I wasn’t speeding – promise!). I have never seen anyone so angry and full of road rage. She hopped out of her car in her pajamas and scads of diamonds to try to beat me up. The whole thing was horrifying, but I have definitely learned to drive very carefully around the school! Please intervene UP Police and come monitor the atrocities that occur every morning on Granada.
@relax
Really? none of you have ever Jay Walked? This is Texas, not New York City. We have the right to bear arms, ride scooters without helmets, and even jay walk!
Me thinks relax is trying to deflect attention away from her sins. You go ahead and jay walk all you want relax- just don’t make your kids do it in an active carpool zone.