Police Participate in Winter 2026 Street Smart Campaign

Published on January 08, 2026

Motor police officer helping pedestrians cross a crosswalk. Street Smart logo above

ARLINGTON, Va. – Snow, ice, and colder temperatures demand a higher level of awareness. While winter weather changes the road conditions, preparation, awareness and staying alert ensures safety for all road users, no matter the time of year. This winter, to show our continued commitment to safer roads and smarter travel for everyone, area law enforcement will participate in the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s Winter Street Smart campaign. This region-wide campaign, which runs throughout January 2026, 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 

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 or using a shared micro-mobility device . . . 

  • 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 continue to conduct traffic enforcement throughout Arlington and respond to community complaints and concerns with the ultimate goal of gaining compliance with traffic laws, even when police are not present. During the Street Smart campaign, the Arlington County Police Department will conduct high-visibility traffic education and enforcement activations, highlighting that the safety of everyone on the road depends on the cooperation of drivers, bicyclists, shared micro-mobility device users and pedestrians on a daily basis.

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

Thursday, January 15

  • 2:30 p.m. -4:00 p.m. at 1200 block of S. Hayes Street

Wednesday, January 21

  • 7:30 a.m. -9:00 a.m. at Wilson Boulevard at N. Lynn Street
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