ARLINGTON, Va. — Keeping pedestrians and cyclists safe in Arlington county is the goal as officers gear up for the third high-visibility traffic enforcement. The enforcement is part of Street Smart's spring safety campaign.
Street Smart is a public education and enforcement program across the D.C. area. They’re teaming up with local law enforcement in D.C., Maryland, and northern Virginia to keep pedestrians and cyclists safe. According to data from street smart, last year 115 people were killed by drivers while walking and biking in the D.C. metro area – which is a 17% decrease from 2022. Pedestrian and bicyclist deaths account for more than 30% of all traffic fatalities in the region.
Monday, near the intersection of Williamsburg Boulevard and North Harrison Street, officers with the Arlington County Police Department were out conducting speed enforcement. Violations can cost up to $500 and add points to a driver’s record.
There are three schools in this area — Nottingham Elementary School, Discovery Elementary and Williamsburg Middle School — and people in the neighborhood tell WUSA9 speeding and distracted drivers are a major concern. Resident Lawrence Norris, said the area has a lot of hills and that can causes problems.
"Visibility is sometimes limited and if you’re going real fast and not paying attention then a kid could just pop out in front of you," Norris said.
Police say the intersection choice was intentional.
"Part of the reasons that we pick the locations that we do for the street smart campaign is because we hear concerns from the community so areas like this we hear speeding is a concern so that’s why our officers are here conducting high – visibility traffic enforcement reminding all of our drivers to slow down be mindful of the speed limit," said Ashley Savage, a spokesperson for Arlington County Police.
Neighbors who live nearby say the enforcement is appreciated.
"Definitely good that they’re going to be enforcing things we’ve got kids who grew up in the neighborhood lots of little kids around so I think it’s important that people slow down," said neighbor Bruce Antley.
According to Arlington County Police Department, since the activation officers have issued 43 citations including:
- 24 speeding citations
- 7 citations for do not enter sign near school
- 8 citations for vehicle registration issues
- 2 citations for expired license plates
- 1 citation for a stop sign violation
- 1 citation for improper passing on the right
Remember, it’s illegal in the Commonwealth to drive while holding your phone. The enforcement campaign runs through May 19, and it’s not just in Arlington. Officers in D.C., Maryland, and northern Virginia are all taking part.
Street Smart offers the following safety tips:
If you’re driving . . .
● Slow down and obey the speed limit.
● Stop for pedestrians at 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 bikes.
● Put away your phone and never text while driving.
● Be especially careful if you drive an SUV or pickup truck—crashes involving high profile vehicles are more likely to cause death or serious injury for people walking and biking.
If you’re walking . . .
● Cross the street at the corner and use marked crosswalks when they’re available.
● Use the pushbuttons to request a signal change.
● Wait for the walk signal to cross the street.
● Watch for turning vehicles.
● Before crossing, look left, right, and left again.
● Try to make eye contact with drivers so that you’re sure they see you.
● Be visible. Wear something light or reflective after dark.
● Watch out for blind spots around trucks and buses.
● Avoid using your cell phone while you’re crossing the street.
● On an off-street trail, obey all posted signage and approach intersections with caution.
If you’re biking . . .
● Be predictable. Obey signs and signals.
● Never ride against traffic.
● Ride in a straight line at least 3 feet from parked cars.
● Use hand signals to tell drivers what you intend to do.
● Wear a helmet.
● Use lights at night and when visibility is poor.
● On an off-street trail, obey all posted signs and approach intersections with caution.
RELATED: Investigation underway after bicyclist hit, injured by vehicle in Arlington hit-and-run crash
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