Police Conduct 2024 Back-to-School Transportation Safety Campaign

Published on August 21, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. – Arlington Public Schools will begin welcoming students back into their classrooms on Monday, August 26, 2024, which means there will soon be an increase in children walking, bicycling, and riding the bus to schools throughout Arlington. Transportation safety is a group effort; it takes all of us working together and following the rules of the road to keep our community safe. The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) and the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) will conduct a coordinated high-visibility transportation safety campaign in and around school zones to ensure the trip to class is as safe as possible. 

Variable message boards will be placed along roadways in Arlington to raise awareness about the start of the school year and to share important safety messaging. With a little awareness and prevention, all travelers can arrive at their destinations in a timely and safe manner.

New School Zone Speed Safety Camera Program Launched

Arlington County’s PhotoSPEED program, which uses camera technology to detect and record images of vehicles traveling faster than the posted speed limit within selected school zones, will begin issuing warnings on the first day of classes. Speed safety cameras are an additional education and enforcement tool to encourage compliance with posted traffic signs, deter speeding, reduce the likelihood of severe crashes, and improve overall safety for all travelers.

PhotoSPEED program cameras are installed in 10 school zones at the following locations:

• NB 1300 block of Kirkwood Road
• WB 5800 block of Wilson Boulevard
• SB 400 block of N. George Mason Drive
• SB 600 block of S. Carlin Springs Road
• SB Unit block of S. Carlin Springs Road
• SB 1900 block of S. George Mason Drive
• NB 1900 block of S George Mason Drive
• SB 1200 block of S. George Mason Drive
• EB 4500 block of Washington Boulevard
• EB 5200 block of Yorktown Boulevard

Following the warning period, speeders will be issued a $100 ticket (civil fine) per infraction beginning on September 25. School zone speed safety cameras are operational when the lights on the speed limit signs are flashing during school arrival and departure.

PhotoSPEED is part of Arlington County’s Automated Safety Enforcement Program and supports the County’s ongoing Vision Zero Transportation Safety Program efforts.

Vision Zero Advancements to Protect Students and Other Travelers

As of summer 2024, the Department of Environmental Services has completed a 3-year project to update all 40+ school zones in the county to meet its recently developed school zone guidelines. All school zones were reviewed and updated in collaboration with staff at Arlington Public Schools.  The Vision Zero initiative is now focused on encouraging and enforcing school zone speed limits through fall 2024 expansion of the tactical speed humps pilot and the launch of Arlington’s school zone speed safety camera program. 

In fall 2023, the County reintroduced tactical speed humps in select locations as part of a pilot project aiming to reduce vehicle speeds in school slow zones. A school slow zone is a permanent 20 mile-per-hour speed limit on a neighborhood street within 600 feet of a key school access point. The speed humps aim to reduce speeds in school slow zones where data shows the introduction of 20 mph speed limits has not lowered speeds. Speed humps are a proven strategy for reducing speeds and crashes on neighborhood streets. The pilot uses tactical speed humps because they are easy to both install and remove quickly if needed. The tactical materials are cost effective, tested for durability and made from 100% recycled material.  

The first pilot locations for the tactical speed humps were installed in winter 2023:  

• Cardinal Elementary School: 19^th Street N. between N. Madison Street and N. Lexington Street
• Hoffman Boston Elementary School: S. Queen Street between 12^th Street S. and 13^th Road S.
• Gunston Middle School: S. Lang Street between Arlington Ridge Road and 28^th Street S.

Additional installation locations are to be installed in fall 2024:  

• Jefferson Middle / Fleet Elementary School: S. Irving Street between Arlington Boulevard and 2^nd Street S.
• Drew Elementary School: 22^nd Street S. between S. Monroe Street and S. Kenmore Street
• Wakefield High / Claremont Elementary School: S. Dinwiddie Street between S. George Mason Drive and S. Chesterfield Road

Visit the Vision Zero Pilot Projects page for updates.  

Transportation Safety Tips

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.