Police Participate in Fall 2023 Street Smart Campaign

Published on October 23, 2023

ARLINGTON, Va. – Waning daylight hours and the end of Daylight Saving Time will bring darker evening commuting and reduced visibility. To ensure the safety of all travelers on our roadways, the Arlington County Police Department and law enforcement agencies throughout the region will take part in the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s Fall Street Smart Campaign from October 25 – November 19. 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.  

WATCH: Police Encourage Travelers to be a P.A.L.

Transportation Safety Tips

No matter how you travel, remember to share our roadways and always be a P.A.L. – predicable, alert and lawful.

Drivers are reminded to:

• slow down, drive the speed limit and obey all posted traffic signs and signals.
• remain alert for pedestrians and bicyclists.
• stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
• use caution when passing buses or stopped vehicles.
• watch for pedestrians and bicyclists 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

  Pedestrians are reminded to:

• cross the street at the corner and use marked crosswalks when they are available.
• use pushbuttons when available and wait for the walk signal to cross the street.
• look both ways before crossing.
• remain visible, especially after dark and in bad weather, by wearing light colored or reflective clothing.
• watch for blind spots around trucks and buses.
• avoid using devices that distract you, such as cell phones, while crossing the street.

Bicyclists and shared mobility device operators are reminded to:

• ride in the same direction as traffic.
• use hand signals to communicate your intentions with others.
• 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.)
• keep your eyes on the road and avoid the use of devices that may distract you.
• remain visible, especially after dark and in bad weather, by wearing light colored or reflective clothing.
• use headlights and taillights, especially when riding between sunset and sunrise.

MORE: Tips for Safe Operation of E-Scooters in Arlington County

Street Smart Media Availability

As part of the Street Smart campaign, members of the media are invited to the following high-visibility traffic enforcement activations:

• Thursday, October 26, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – 2000 to 2400 block of S. Glebe Road
• Thursday, November 2, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – 2300 block of Arlington Ridge Road
• Monday, November 6, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Wilson Boulevard and Clarendon Boulevard at N. Veitch Street
• Wednesday, November 15, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Four Mile Run Drive at Walter Reed Drive 

Safety tips provided by Street Smart