Traffic is a daily reality for many Stevenson High School students, whether they’re trying to park in the lot or head out to the roundabout after school. Even before the final bell, cars fill the roads around the school, creating long lines and crowded streets.

For students, the combination of busy roads, new drivers and stressed-out commuters can make leaving or arriving at school a challenge.

Tara Alqaseer, a sophomore, said she has learned to adjust her schedule to deal with the congestion.

“I think that if someone doesn’t leave their house early to come to school, it’ll be very difficult because it can get very overwhelming with all the cars and all the drop-offs,” Alqaseer said.

She said the traffic can be frustrating at first, but students learn to adapt.

“I had to get the hang of it, but I think after a couple of times, you get used to it,” she said.

For some, the problem isn’t just the number of cars but the people behind the wheel. Benjamin Durkee, a junior, said many drivers are tired at the end of the day and less willing to yield to others.

“I feel like not many people are being generous with letting people through,” Durkee said.

“It’s kind of difficult to get out of school, especially with all the new teenagers driving,” he said.

The challenges of new drivers often come with stereotypes about younger students being “bad” drivers. Alqaseer said those assumptions are unfair and usually improve with experience.

“I think it’s always been a stereotype for younger drivers. Like, being bad just because they’re new, but they need to just practice driving around, and I think it should get better,” she said.

Overall, students agree that navigating the roads around Stevenson is complicated by multiple factors. Things like crowded streets, inexperienced drivers and people who are simply in a hurry.

Alqaseer offered a final thought for fellow drivers:

“Just be patient and kind to each other. Everyone’s trying to get home safely,” she said.