Need help with story I'm writing

Was hoping some of you fanfic writers might be able to give me some ideas. The basic outline of the story is - it's nighttime in August, on a state road in rural Utah. An 18-year-old boy who lives in Atlanta is driving long it and spots what appears to be a UFO. Where I'm stuck is - what would an 18-yr-old boy from Atlanta be doing in such a situation two months after graduating high school getting ready to start at the community college back home?
I'd appreciate it if nobody responded by saying "sorry, no clue" or such.

He could certainly be going to visit relatives before going to school.......or just travelling one time before going to school......

Maybe he got a car for a graduation gift, and was driving out to visit his grandparents on the west coast?

Does he have to be alone? He could be driving with a friend who lives in California. Maybe the friend came for a visit for a couple of weeks after graduation and the boys are making their way back by car.

Maybe the boy is involved in some type of crime and is on the run. Or maybe he's escaping an abusive situation at home.

He could be having a summer trip.. Something fun.