Police Participate in Fall 2024 Street Smart Campaign

Published on November 08, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. – The fall brings shorter days, the end to Daylight Savings Time and an increased risk of crashes due to reduced visibility. To ensure all travelers can reach their destinations in a safe and timely manner during this busy time of year, area law enforcement are participating in the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s Fall Street Smart campaign. This region-wide campaign, which runs until November 24, 2024, focuses on educating drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists about traffic laws and how to safely share our roadways. The campaign aims to reduce the number of traffic-related crashes and injuries on our roadways by identifying and changing unsafe behavior patterns through a two-pronged approach of education and enforcement. 

Transportation Safety Tips for Travelers 

As evenings begin to get darker, earlier; more people are now commuting in darker conditions highlighting the need for travelers to exercise caution on our roadways. 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 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.

MORE: Fall 2024 Street Smart Fact Sheet

Media Availability 

Transportation Safety is a key initiative of the Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) with officers continuing to conduct traffic enforcement throughout Arlington. ACPD invites members of the media to attend the following high-visibility traffic education and enforcement activations as part of the Street Smart campaign’s educational efforts:

Thursday, November 14^th

• 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at 12th Street S. at S. Eads Street

Tuesday, November 19^th

• 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at Langston Boulevard at N. Lynn Street