Residents and leaders of National City push for safety improvements on Division Street, highlighting its dangers; collaboration with San Diego is urged.
NATIONAL CITY, Calif. — Local leaders and residents of National City gathered today to advocate for safer conditions along Division Street, which borders both National City and San Diego. Concerns about speeding cars and frequent crashes have escalated, prompting calls for significant traffic and safety improvements.
Division Street has become a troubling stretch for pedestrians and drivers alike, according to residents. Kelly Piper, a local who lives on Division Street, expressed her fears, stating, “I know that I have an 8-month-old personally and I do not feel safe. I would never in a million years cross the street with my 8-month-old.”
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Public Advocate Shane Harris, along with National City Mayor Ron Morrison and Vice Mayor Luz Molina, walked the busy street with residents to hear their concerns firsthand. Harris’s initiative, dubbed “Safe Streets Without Borders,” aims to encourage collaboration between San Diego and National City to address the issue. He emphasized that the city line should not impede efforts to make the area safer, saying, “Division Street may separate two jurisdictions, two cities, but it does not separate the danger.”
Proposed changes include the installation of new stop signs, improved crosswalks, speed-feedback signs, enhanced lighting, and sidewalk improvements. Morrison noted that he could consult with the city engineer immediately to discuss potential implementations, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
City collision data has indicated a troubling trend, showing 34 reported crashes and 33 injuries occurring between the 3900 and 4200 blocks of Division Street from October 2016 to July 2026. However, residents believe these figures are an underrepresentation, noting that many close calls and crashes go unreported. Harris recalled hearing from concerned neighbors just earlier this month and pointed to a recent incident during a press conference where two cars crashed on Division Street as evidence of the pressing need for action.
The City of San Diego said in response to my request for comment: “The City of San Diego has received the proposal. Our Transportation Department is currently evaluating the requested intersections for all way stops consistent with our council policies. We appreciate residents bringing these concerns forward and will continue working to identify appropriate safety improvements.”