Police Participate in Fall 2021 Street Smart Campaign
Published on November 04, 2021
ARLINGTON, Va. – The arrival of fall brings cooler temperatures and less daylight during commuting hours. Everyone wants you to arrive at your destination safely, that’s why the Arlington County Police Department, and law enforcement agencies throughout the region, will participate in the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s Fall Street Smart campaign from November 5 – November 30. The Street Smart campaign aims to identify and change unsafe behavior patterns amongst motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists, with the goal of reducing the number of traffic related collisions and injuries on our roadways.
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Street Smart Enforcement Activations
As part of the Street Smart campaign, officers will conduct high-visibility traffic enforcement at the following locations:
- Tuesday, November 9th, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – 2500 block of Washington Boulevard
- Wednesday, November 17th, 2021 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. – 4200 block of Fairfax Drive
Members of the media are invited to attend the activation events.
Transportation Safety Tips
Whether you travel by foot, two wheels or four wheels, make our roadways safer by being a PAL – predictable, alert and lawful.
Drivers are reminded to:
- Slow down and obey the posted speed limit.
- Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.
- Use caution when passing buses or stopped vehicles.
- Yield to people walking or biking when turning.
- Allow for at least 3 feet when passing bicyclists.
- Avoid using your cell phone and never text while driving. Holding a hand-held communication device while driving is illegal in Virginia.
MORE: Share our Roadways Safely: Laws Pertaining to Cyclists and Motorists in Arlington County(PDF, 282KB)
Pedestrians are reminded to:
- Cross the street at the corner and use marked crosswalks when they are available.
- Look both ways before crossing the street.
- See and be seen! Wear light colored or reflective clothing after dark.
- Watch for blind spots around trucks and buses.
- Avoid using devices that distract you, such as cell phones, while you’re crossing the street.
Shared Mobility Device operators and bicyclists are reminded to:
- Ride in the same direction as traffic, using bike lanes when possible.
- Use hand signals to communicate your intentions with drivers.
- Wear a helmet, which is required for all bicycle riders 14 years of age and younger and recommended for all other riders. (Arlington County Code 14.2-64.)(PDF, 425KB)
- 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 and reflective clothing. Use lights at night when visibility is poor.
MORE: Tips for Safe Operation of E-Scooters in Arlington County