ACPD Ramps Up Traffic Enforcement for New School Year

With Arlington Public Schools back in session next week, the police department is reminding drivers to obey traffic laws, especially when kids are walking to and from school.

To help hammer home that message, police officers and sheriff’s deputies will be conducting “high visibility enforcement” around school zones next week.

Here’s the police press release:

The Arlington County Police Department, in conjunction with the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office, will be out in force next week as the 2011-2012 school year begins.  Officers and Deputy Sheriffs will be conducting high visibility traffic enforcement in and around the school zones throughout Arlington County starting on Tuesday, September 6, 2011.  This will also coincide with the 3rd Annual Virginia Bicyclist and Pedestrian Awareness Week to emphasis the need to share the road with vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

Drivers are reminded to:

• Obey speed limits which may change during school zone times.
• Avoid distracted driving and keep your attention on the road.
• Watch for students walking and riding bikes to school.  Remember, we all share the road.
• Don’t pass a stopped school bus loading or unloading passengers.
• Have all occupants wear their seatbelts.

 Students, bicyclist, and pedestrians are reminded to:

• Cross the street at marked crosswalks and never against a red light.
• Look before you cross and follow the direction of the school crossing guards.
• Dismount from your bicycle and walk it in a crosswalk when crossing a street.
• Always walk on designated sidewalks or paths never along the side of a road.

Arlington County will have variable message boards placed along the roadways reminding citizens of the start of school and to drive safely.  With a little prevention, all drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians can arrive at their destinations in a timely and safe manner.