A Gird Road campus equals higher traffic and fire hazard

Two new risks await Bonsall High School students if they are forced to move to a Gird Road campus. First, the state rates the Gird Road site higher in fire hazard severity than the current Sullivan campus. Second, Hwy 76 and the intersection of 76 and Gird Road will become the deadly new gateway to and from their school.

The Gird Road site is at the northern edge of the Bonsall school district. Most students will be transported, during rush hour, to and from the south, west and east on busy Hwy 76. All will converge on and have to funnel through the Gird Road/76 intersection. All will have to make a left or right turn there. That intersection already resembles a lit intersection on a freeway. Yes, there are signals, but it can be a nail biter.

Now, imagine hundreds of additional vehicles from the proposed school, every single one having to turn at that intersection. Visualize inexperienced teen drivers, cell phone in hand and friends in their car (a sad reality). Just north of the intersection, it is inevitable traffic will become congested on campus during peak drop off and pick up and potentially spill onto Gird Road, adding to the problem. This scary traffic situation will have to be dealt with every morning, every afternoon, and with every after school activity. More frightening yet, is the thought of students crossing Hwy 76 on bicycle, skateboard or on foot; a common sight near any high school. This all adds up to an accident waiting to happen. As the years go by, it will only get worse.

Putting students in harm's way by moving the Bonsall High School to a site with a higher fire hazard rating and potentially deadly traffic issues is irresponsible. It will take creativity and patience, but there is a better solution. In the meantime, please vote No on EE.

Bobbie Tilmant