Car crashes have devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities. At Camas High School (CHS), students and staff have witnessed an increase in accidents on and around school property, particularly during the recent warm weather.

A few years back, CHS junior Ava Tourbin experienced a car accident on her way to a driving class. 

“Overall, the police handled the situation well and nothing needed to be changed,”  Tourbin said.

For Tourbin, however, the impact of the crash still lingers, serving as a reminder of the importance of road safety.

Associate Principal Owen Sanford acknowledges the problems surrounding the CHS parking lots, but believes that the school has taken sufficient measures to ensure student safety.

“We don’t plan to make any additions to the parking lot,” Sanford said.

A few years ago, CHS did try to make an additional entrance and/or exit out of the far lot, but it never came to fruition due to concerns raised by the city of Camas . The nature of the concerns were never stated.

Despite the inefficiency of parking at CHS, with summer upcoming and according to data from a Forbes study, car crashes tend to increase when it is warm outside although other factors may cause crashes as well.

Warm weather can lead to drowsiness and fatigue, making drivers less alert and more prone to mistakes.

Additionally, road work and hot temperatures can cause roads to expand and contract, leading to potholes and other hazards that can contribute to accidents.

Of course, even with the best safety measures in place, accidents still happen. That’s why it’s important for drivers to be prepared in the event of a crash and know what to do.

The most important thing to do is to call for help, and, depending on the severity of the crash, get police involved. Getting contact information from the other driver and taking pictures of damage is also very important.

Knowing where your car’s insurance cards and title are is highly important if the police do become involved in the situation. 

Making sure the scene is safe before getting out of the car can also reduce potential injuries.

By working together to increase students’ knowledge about car accidents and what to do in the event of one, CHS can help reduce the number of car crashes and keep everyone safe.