Join Club

ACPD Warns of Distracted Driving Danger

Serious pedestrian accident at Glebe Road and N. Carlin Springs Road (file photo)The Arlington County Police Department is warning local drivers to put the cell phone down and stay alert while driving.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the police department has issued a press release (after the jump) highlighting the need to pay attention while at the wheel, especially as more pedestrians and bicyclists hit the streets during the warmer weather months.

The press release also mentions impending state legislation that makes texting while driving a primary offense. Currently, a driver can only be charged for texting if pulled over for another violation — and the penalty is a piddly $20 fine for the first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses. The new legislation would allow police to pull over a motorist only for texting, and would significantly increase the penalty.

The bill originally called for fines of $500 and $250, but an amendment approved by the state Senate this week cuts that in half. The bill is now awaiting Gov. Bob McDonnell’s signature. If signed, the law will take effect July 1.

ACPD says it is prepared to enforce the texting law.

“Once the law is in effect we will incorporate it into our nationally recognized traffic and pedestrian safety programs,” said department spokesman Dustin Sternbeck. “In terms of training, all Arlington County Police officers receive annual in-service training regarding new laws and legislative changes. The proposed Virginia texting law will be included in that training.”

File photo

The ACPD press release:

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Arlington County Police Department wants to remind residents to drive safely by maintaining concentration on the roads while driving.

Captain James Wasem, Arlington County Police Department’s Special Operations Commander, commented “with April being Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Arlington County Police Department would like to take this opportunity to encourage all drivers to stay alert and aware. With the nicer weather upon us, we expect a significant increase in pedestrian and bicycle traffic throughout our community and we would like to remind everyone to follow the rules of the road and refrain from driving while distracted”.

As Virginia legislation will be implementing new texting while driving laws, it is crucial for drivers to understand how serious distracted driving can be. Distracted or impaired driving is responsible for several thousand accidents around the country annually. Several of these accidents are directly linked to texting while driving, and many of them result in fatalities or serious injuries. No text, phone call, or other distraction is ever worth the risk of hurting yourself or others.

Drivers can practice safe driving by refraining from actions such as texting or other cell phone use, eating or drinking, reading a map, or trying to deal with children or passengers in the car while driving. These actions can be avoided by purchasing a hands-free device, GPS system with speaking features, and pulling over until an issue is fully addressed.

The Arlington County Police Departments wants our county to be safe on and off the road. Please support us in our fight against distracted and impaired driving. For more information on how you or your loved ones can be educated on distracted driving, please visit the following websites:

http://www.nsc.org/safety_road/Distracted_Driving/Pages/DDAM.aspx

http://www.distraction.gov/content/get-the-facts/facts-and-statistics.html

Recent Stories

Good Monday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar. 🕗 News recap The following articles were published earlier today…

An 18-year-old Arlington woman is facing a litany of charges after an reported bike theft led to violence. The incident happened Sunday evening near the intersection of S. Walter Reed…

What do I do if school doesn’t fit my kid? That’s the question that so many of the parents and families ask when they’re looking at small independent schools like…

There is a new play area for kids inside Ballston Quarter with plenty of pint-sized attractions. Located on the first floor of the mall, near the about-to-close Macy’s, Junior Playland…

Well-Paid Maids recently unveiled a new scheduling system.

That means it’s easier than ever to book your professional home cleaning with the only certified living-wage home cleaning service in the D.C. area.

Here’s what to expect when you book your cleaning:

  1. Select your location.

  2. Choose your service (i.e. 1 BD/1BA). (This is also where you’ll see the rate.)

  3. Pick your cleaner. (If you don’t have a preference, opt for “any available.”)

  4. Schedule a date and time. You can also set up recurring cleanings and get a discount!

  5. Enter your information and reserve.

Read More

Submit your own Announcement here.

Are you facing life’s challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking personal growth? Embrace the path to emotional well-being with our expert psychotherapy services!

Why Choose Us?

Our team of compassionate and experienced psychotherapists is here to guide you on your journey to inner peace, self-discovery, and positive change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

What We Offer:
✔️ Individual Therapy
✔️ Couples Counseling
✔️ Anxiety & Stress Management
✔️ Depression Treatment
✔️ Trauma Healing
✔️ Self-Esteem Building
✔️ Life Transitions Support
✔️ And Much More!

Read More

Submit your own Announcement here.

Portofino Italian Wine Dinner, April 6, 6:30pm

Four course Italian dinner, paired with 2 wines each. The wines will be served “blind” and notes on each wine will be discussed. The event is coordinated with Elite Wine Importers and The Portofino Restaurant. The dinner is on Saturday,

×

Subscribe to our mailing list