A high-visibility traffic enforcement initiative is kicking off next week in Arlington.
The region-wide Street Smart campaign, which runs from Monday, April 7 through Sunday, May 4, focuses on reducing traffic-related crashes and educating drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists about the law.
“High-visibility traffic education and enforcement activations” are meant to remind the public that traffic safety is everyone’s business, according to a county press release.
One activation is scheduled for Tuesday on Washington Blvd between Patrick Henry Drive and N. McKinley Road, in Westover. Another is happening on Thursday along the 1300 block of S. Joyce Street, in Pentagon City.
“The high-visibility activations consist of officers from the ACPD Special Operations Section monitoring the area to ensure compliance with transportation safety laws including, but not limited to, distracted driving, speeding, yielding the right-of-way or other unsafe behaviors,” ACPD spokesperson Kiyah Daniell told ARLnow. “Observed violations of traffic laws are subject to enforcement and/or education.”
ACPD offers the following safety tips for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and people using scooters and other devices.
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 or using a shared micro-mobility device . . .
- 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.
