ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, March 10, 1996 TAG: 9603110004
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: Guest Column
SOURCE: DANIEL AND ELIZABETH FOSTER
I live near the corner of Patrick Henry Drive and Harding Avenue. I claim no prophetic powers, but I am willing to guarantee that there will be a fatal accident at that corner in the near future. If we're "lucky," it won't involve a bus load of our kids. But it will be someone's child. There are several things that contribute to the hazards of the situation.
1) There are two "T" intersections within 50 yards.
2) That intersection has buses turning off Patrick Henry Drive going both up and down Harding Avenue; turning off Harding onto Orchard View; pulling out of Orchard View onto Harding; and moving up and down Harding to turn onto Patrick Henry.
3) The long buses have to cross the yellow center line to maneuver the corner, which means they have to wait until there is a break in the traffic (not very likely between 7:25 and 7:45 a.m.), until someone gives them room, or they make a lunge for it.
4) I have observed occasions when the traffic is just about gridlocked with buses unable to move and cars backed up behind them six to eight deep.
5) Add to all the above the kids who are driving to school - inexperienced drivers, with the radio blaring, a bunch of their buddies in the car, inattention to matters of driving, groggy from lack of sleep and maybe hung over from last night's party.
7) And finally, add some fog, some moisture on the street, maybe a little ice ... It all spells DISASTER!
Let's not wait until we are mourning the loss of one or more of our students before we do something about the situation. Perhaps some of the buses could be rerouted. A traffic controller at the sight would be a great benefit, if for no other reason than to slow down the cars. Please do something.
Daniel and Elizabeth Foster live in Blacksburg on Harding Avenue and are the parents of three children.
LENGTH: Short : 43 linesby CNB