Police Participate in Spring 2023 Street Smart Campaign

Published on April 18, 2023

ARLINGTON, Va. – As the warmer months approach and the days grow longer, more people will be walking, biking and operating shared mobility devices throughout our community. To ensure all travelers can reach their destinations in a safe and timely manner, area law enforcement will participate in the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s Spring Street Smart campaign. This region-wide campaign, which runs until May 14, 2023, focuses on educating drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists about traffic laws and how to safely share our roadways. Through a two-pronged approach of education and enforcement, the campaign aims to reduce the number of traffic related crashes and injuries on our roadways by identifying and changing unsafe behavior patterns among travelers.

Transportation Safety Tips for Travelers

Whether you travel on foot, two wheels or four wheels, share our roadways safely be 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 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 . . .

• 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.
  
  

Media Availability

As part of our department’s key initiative of Transportation Safety, officers will conduct traffic enforcement throughout the campaign with the goal of compliance, even when police are not present.

Members of the media are invited to attend the following high-visibility enforcement activations as part of the Street Smart campaign:

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

• 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Langston Boulevard / Lynn Street / Fort Myer Drive
• 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – 2900 block of S. Glebe Road

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

• 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – N. Pershing Drive at N. Thomas Street
• 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – 5200 block of Columbia Pike

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