TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - It's a terrifying mix: inexperienced drivers on busy highways during high-traffic times.
Nowhere is that more obvious than right outside Chiles High School.
We asked you on Facebook which schools had the worst traffic, and you answered. Although we received many responses, this exchange in comments stuck out.
Valerie Foster first says, "Chiles with no doubt." Maureen Shay Martinez replied in agreement saying, "So scary crossing the Thomasville into the parking lot. Watching student drivers cross in front of the huge trucks. So many accidents.
WTXL went went to experience the traffic firsthand.
For students at Chiles High School, they start their school day at 7:25 each morning.
"We try to leave the house, no later than 7:10," says Sandy Wilson, the parent of Chiles High School Student. "Usually get there about 7:20. By the time I loop around, drop her off, and come back out, it's probably 7:30."
Between people heading to school and to work, this stretch of Thomasville Road sees thousands of cars and heavy delays every morning.
"The later you get to that start time, the more congested it gets," explains Wilson. "We take into consideration it's right off Thomasville Road, and student drivers, and parents trying to get to work and whatnot. We just go with the flow."
The constant traffic and the lack of stoplights near Chiles High School have some parents and members of the community concerned for student safety. A few parents and frequent commuters have thought that adding a stoplight near the school may help with some of the student congestion, but others know that would only slow down those traveling north and south on Thomasville Road.
Still though, a few parents say their children either leave early or simply ride the bus to avoid any potential accidents when turning into the school. However, Wilson's experience with the traffic has been pretty good.
"Chiles does a really good job that students can only go in one way, parents go in another," says Wilson. "Then you have that alternate route that opens up after 7 am."
Crossing the busy road can be stressful for less experienced drivers, and Florida Highway Patrol has a tip for the young commuters.
"Leave your home early if you're going to leave early," says Captain Jeffrey Bissainthe, the Chief Public Affair Officer with the Florida Highway Patrol. " Try not to rush. If you're late, you're late, but we want you to get there alive."
And that should be everyone's top priority... arriving alive.
