In conjunction with the SUN Traffic Committee, research students at Denver University have concluded that over one in every four drivers in the Stapleton community are simply driving around to put a child to sleep. For six months, researches counted cars over different areas of Stapleton over several different time periods. In the end, it is clear Stapleton parents use driving to put their children to sleep.
“We looked at the data several different ways,” says research director Jake Wharton. “It is definitely conclusive, but hardly surprising. There is a high percentage of infants in this neighborhood, as well as a high percentage of parents not willing to listen to them cry.”
Local parent Jessica Siems admits she has used this tactic on several occasions. “Sometimes, our little one just won’t go to sleep,” says Siems. “So, we pack her in the car and drive around the hood until she falls asleep. It’s a ten minute drive versus two hours of hell.”
Child specialist Kevin Miller says there is nothing wrong with doing this. “Essentially, anything short of Nyquil and Benadryl are totally fine as long as it works,” says Miller. “Of course, you could let them cry themselves to sleep which is completely harmless as well, but who wants to do that.”
There are no major implications of the study for Stapleton roads, but they are considering a small noise ordinance. “We may consider signs that simply say ‘no honking’ but not much more than that,” says Forrest City spokesman Lee Weber. Signs would not be up until late May if they go up.]]>