While the increased police presence has created an influx of students receiving moving violations, many students appreciate police officers’ effort. Says senior Natalie Engle, who received a moving violation while traveling 45 mph in a 30 mph speed limit, "I’ve seen some crazy drivers…If they were to get caught it would open their eyes to go slower. They might prevent an accident in the future."

Senior Hannah Coll, who received a speeding ticket in February, believes the increased use of speed guns is ineffective in the long run. "The effect of speed guns is temporary," says Coll. "People only slow down briefly to avoid getting caught. Once they have passed the speed trap, they accelerate significantly."

Even though their views regarding the advantages of speed guns differ, both Engle and Coll agree that the consequences resulting from their tickets have impacted their behavior. Says Engle, "The ticket has made me a better driver. I don’t speed anymore and I do look out for police cars while on the road."

Adds senior Joanna Peth, who was stopped by police officers near the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and Good Hope Road, "I was pretty freaked out for the first couple of days after, so I drove the speed limit. Even now, I’m still kind of paranoid." Students caught speeding who have provisional licenses must attend a driver’s improvement course in addition to paying the ticketed fine.

Many students believe the consequences of getting into a serious accident should be enough to prevent drivers from speeding. Says senior Christine Conrad, "[Drivers] think they can get away with [speeding] until the day someone gets hurt. You can’t bring back someone’s life once you have taken it."