ACPD Kicks Off Spring Traffic Enforcement Campaign

Arlington County Police this week launched the 2019 version of the regional spring “Street Smart” safety campaign.

The campaign “aims to reduce the number of traffic related crashes and injuries on our roadways by identifying and changing unsafe behavior patterns among travelers.”

Two “high-visibility traffic enforcement” events are planned — one from 4-6 p.m. next Friday (April 26) along the 3200 block of Washington Blvd, near Clarendon, and another from 7-9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 7  on the 3100 block of Clarendon Blvd, next to the Clarendon Metro station.

More from an ACPD press release:

Spring is here, and more people are taking advantage of the warmer weather by walking, biking and operating shared mobility devices. To ensure all travelers safely share our roadways, law enforcement throughout the region will participate in the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ Spring Street Smart campaign from April 15 – May 10. The campaign aims to reduce the number of traffic related crashes and injuries on our roadways by identifying and changing unsafe behavior patterns among travelers.

Street Smart Activation

As part of the Street Smart campaign, officers will conduct high-visibility traffic enforcement at the following locations:

• May 7th from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. – 3100 block of Clarendon Boulevard
• April 26th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. – 3200 block of Washington Boulevard

Members of the media are invited to attend the activation events.

Traffic Safety Tips

Whether you’re on two feet, two wheels or four wheels, make our roadways safer by being a PAL – predicable, alert and lawful.Drivers are reminded to:

• Obey posted speed limits, traffic signs and signals
• Have all vehicle occupants wear their seat belts
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and use caution when passing stopped vehicles
• Look before opening your door
• Allow 3 feet when passing bicyclists

Pedestrians are reminded to:

• Cross the street at marked crosswalks and never against a red light
• Look both ways before crossing the street
• Walk on designated sidewalks or paths, never along the side of the road
• Stay visible after dark and in bad weather with light-colored clothing, reflective gear and lights

Shared Mobility Device operators are reminded to:

• Obey posted traffic signs and signals
• Ride in the same direction as traffic
• Communicate your intentions by using hand signals
• Keep your eyes on the road and avoid the use of devices that may distract you
• Stay visible after dark and in bad weather with light-colored clothing, reflective gear and lights

For additional safety tips, visit the Street Smart website.