As students head back to school on Monday, new speed cameras and speed humps are intended to improve safety in Arlington school zones.
The Arlington County Police Department has installed 10 additional cameras over the summer, bringing its total number up to 28. Additionally, the county is in the process of installing new speed humps at seven locations near schools.
A list of the new camera locations is below:
- Northbound 4700 block of Williamsburg Blvd
- Northbound 1300 block of S. George Mason Drive
- Southbound 1000 block of N. George Mason Drive
- Northbound 700 block of S. Carlin Springs Road
- Eastbound 4200 block of Lorcom Lane
- Eastbound 6000 block of Wilson Blvd
- Southbound 1400 block of N. Quincy Street
- Westbound 1500 block of Wilson Blvd
- Westbound 5100 block of Williamsburg Blvd
- Southbound 2600 block of Military Road
The cameras, which operate when school zone lights are flashing before and after school, will come with a 30-day warning period starting on Monday. After that, speed zone violators will receive a $100 ticket per infraction.
Additionally, below is a list of the locations of the newly installed speed humps:
- Campbell Elementary School: 7th Road S.
- Tuckahoe Elementary School: N. Trinidad Street
- Washington-Liberty High School: 15th Street N.
- Nottingham Elementary School: N. Ohio Street
Finally, more speed humps will be installed over the next couple months at the following three locations:
- Randolph Elementary School: 16th Street S.
- Discovery Elementary School/Williamsburg Middle School: N. Kensington Street
- Arlington Science Focus Elementary School: N. Lincoln Street
ACPD will be conducting a “coordinated high-visibility transportation safety campaign” in and around schools zones to ensure students are getting to class safely. Message boards will also go up along Arlington roads with reminders about the start of the school year.
“With a little awareness and prevention, all travelers can arrive at their destinations in a timely and safe manner,” ACPD said.
Police provided the following additional safety advice and tips for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists:
Drivers are reminded to:
- Obey posted speed limits which may change during school zone times.
- Avoid distracted driving and keep your attention on the road.
- Holding a hand-held communication device while driving is illegal in Virginia. Violations could result in a fine of up to $125 for a first offense.
- Watch for students walking and riding bikes to school.
- Do not pass a stopped school bus loading or unloading passengers.
- On a two-lane road, vehicles traveling in both directions must stop.
- On a multi-lane paved road, vehicles traveling in both directions must stop.
- On a divided highway, vehicles behind the bus must stop. Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction may proceed with caution.
- When approaching from any direction at a 4-way intersection, vehicles must stop for school buses with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign.
- Have all vehicle occupants wear their seatbelts.
- Pick-up and drop-off students in designated locations.
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 school crossing guards and/or Arlington Public Schools staff members.
Always walk on designated sidewalks or paths, never along the side of a road.Bicyclists are reminded to:
- Wear your helmet.
- Helmets are required for riders ages 14 and younger but are recommended for all.
- Keep right and ride with traffic.
- Secure your bicycle with a lock when not in use.
General Safety Tips
Back-to-school is an opportune time to remind students about important ways to help keep them safe while out in the community. Parents and guardians are also encouraged to role-play possible situations with students and discuss personal safety and awareness tips.
Ensure students:
- Know their address, telephone number and how to contact a parent or guardian.
- Carry a photo ID.
- Remain aware of their surroundings.
- Walk or bike with another person, whenever possible. Stay in well-lit areas.
- Limit the use of devices that may distract them.
- Avoid engaging with or answering questions from strangers.
- Immediately report anything that makes them feel unsafe to a trusted adult.
