Arlington County police will be keeping a close eye on drivers at two spots in Arlington Ridge and Rosslyn next week.
ACPD has scheduled a pair of “high-visibility traffic education and enforcement activations” for next Tuesday, Nov. 10, as part of the region-wide fall Street Smart campaign.
- 8:30-10 a.m.: 2500 block of Fort Scott Drive, in Arlington Ridge
- 1-2:30 p.m.: Langston Blvd at N. Fort Myer Drive, in Rosslyn
The Rosslyn intersection is where a woman riding an electric scooter was fatally struck by a charter bus in April. Arlington County began sidewalk and signal upgrades at the intersection this spring, with the work slated to be finished by next spring.
Street Smart, run by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, pairs education with enforcement to get drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists to follow traffic laws. This fall’s campaign comes right after the end of daylight saving time this past weekend, which ACPD said makes visibility “increasingly important” as darkness sets in earlier.
Police said officers will keep up traffic enforcement around the county “with the ultimate goal of gaining compliance with traffic laws, even when police are not present.”
“During the Street Smart campaign, the Arlington County Police Department will conduct high-visibility traffic education and enforcement activations, highlighting that the safety of everyone on the road depends on the cooperation of drivers, bicyclists, shared micro-mobility device users and pedestrians on a daily basis,” the department said in a press release.
ACPD shared the following safety tips.
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 transit 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.
• Ensure you are riding an e-bike or other micromobility device legally. Research the rules associated with your device to Know the Law Before You Ride
