The Idaho Law Teens Are Breaking For Really Good Reasons
Okay, hear us out - we don't condone anyone breaking the law with malicious intent. But, at the end of the day, we all make mistakes and once in a while, one of us might "catch a case" for something that we didn't do with ill intent.
Stop calling the cops on the kids for doing this!
Several things aren't okay for kids/teenagers to do and should trigger an immediate response.
If you see a kid/teenager vandalizing, you better call the cops! If you see a teen picking a fight? Go for it.
But recently, a popular and local page brought up something that we have a hard time disagreeing with... are you sitting down?
Doing donuts in a parking lot... is good.
We get it! It sounds crazy and like we support vandalism, but that couldn't be further from reality. The truth is, we saw a post from the Facebook page "Boise Dispatch" that said:
Stop. Calling. Cops. On. People. Doing. Doughnuts. In. Empty. Parking Lots. It might look like hooliganism, but it's the best way to learn how to drive in snow/ice.
Sounds like a controversial take, doesn't it?
First of all, we respect the fact that empty parking lots are still considered private property and if the owner says to leave, you have to leave. Secondly, do know that you're at the mercy of Idaho law if you decide to take a gamble and get caught pulling off some donuts.
According to the Idaho legislature, you could be subject to a charge of reckless driving:
Any person who drives or is in actual physical control of any vehicle upon a highway, or upon public or private property open to public use, carelessly and heedlessly or without due caution and circumspection, and at a speed or in a manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property, or who passes when there is a line in his lane indicating a sight distance restriction, shall be guilty of reckless driving...
We bolded the private property part because again, an empty parking lot could fall under that category.
So, what's your point?
What we're saying is, yes, it might be illegal but only if you get caught or someone reports it. We can't change the law obviously, but what if a young driver is practicing driving in winter conditions in an empty parking lot?
Wouldn't that technically be better than having them gain experience on a busy road in the thick of traffic? You'll learn how to control your car without playing bumper cars and you can familiarize yourself with how your car reacts in icy conditions.
We think it could be good practice but we also understand not everyone agrees, so, let us know what you think.
Does this thought process change the way you'll look at drivers doing donuts in the parking lot?
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