Arlington County police will be stepping up traffic enforcement over the next few weeks as part of the annual spring Street Smart campaign.
The regional road safety initiative aims to remind drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike to pay attention and follow traffic laws. It runs through May 19 and will include two high-profile enforcement events in Arlington, starting this coming Monday.
- Monday, April 29 from 7-10 a.m. along a notorious stretch of S. Carlin Springs Road
- Monday, May 6 from 7:30-10 a.m. on a deadly block of Little Falls Road and on 36th Street N. near Discovery Elementary and Williamsburg Middle School
“As part of our department’s key initiative of Transportation Safety, officers continue to conduct traffic enforcement throughout Arlington with the ultimate goal of gaining compliance with traffic laws, even when police are not present,” ACPD said in a press release.
“As part of the Street Smart campaign, the Arlington County Police Department’s high-visibility traffic education and enforcement activations will occur in school zones, as pedestrian and bicyclist safety for children traveling to and from school remains a top priority.”
ACPD will participate in the @COGStreetSmart campaign which runs until May 19, 2024. The campaign focuses on educating drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists about traffic laws and how to safely share our roadways. https://t.co/eRsVybumAR pic.twitter.com/I4nYn5hKS0
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) April 24, 2024
More, below, from an ACPD press release.
Spring is here, and more people will be walking, biking and operating shared mobility devices throughout our community to take advantage of warmer weather. To ensure all travelers can reach their destinations in a safe and timely manner, area law enforcement will participate in the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s Spring Street Smart campaign. This region-wide campaign, which runs until May 19, 2024, focuses on educating drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists about traffic laws and how to safely share our roadways. The campaign aims to reduce the number of traffic related crashes and injuries on our roadways by identifying and changing unsafe behavior patterns through a two-pronged approach of education and enforcement.
Transportation Safety Tips for Travelers
Whether you travel on foot, two wheels or four wheels, share our roadways safely by being a PAL – predictable, alert and lawful.
If you’re driving . . .
- Slow down, drive the speed limit and obey all posted traffic signs and signals.
- Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Be careful when passing buses or stopped vehicles.
- When turning, yield to people walking and biking.
- Look for bicyclists before opening your door.
- Allow at least 3 feet when passing bicyclists.
- Avoid using your cell phone and never text while driving.
If you’re walking . . .
- Cross the street at the corner and use marked crosswalks when they’re available.
- Use the pushbuttons and wait for the walk signal to cross the street.
- Watch for turning vehicles.
- Look both ways before crossing the street.
- Stay visible after dark and in bad weather with light-colored clothing, reflective gear and/or lights.
If you’re biking . . .
- Obey posted traffic signs and signals.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Communicate your intentions by using hand signals.
- Wear a helmet (required for riders 14 years of age or younger, and recommended for all).
- Use headlights and taillights, especially when riding between sunset and sunrise.