Police Participate in 2018 Back-to-School Safety Campaign

ARLINGTON, VA – As we prepare for another safe and successful school year, the Arlington County Police Department is reminding motorists to slow down, avoid distractions and watch for students walking and biking to school. As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of all travelers, officers will be conducting high visibility traffic enforcement in and around school zones throughout Arlington County starting on the first day of classes, Tuesday, September 4, 2018.

Continued below video:

Drivers are reminded to:

• Obey speed limits which may change during school zone times.
• Avoid distracted driving and keep your attention on the road.
• Watch for students walking and riding bikes to school.
• Don’t pass a stopped school bus loading or unloading passengers. Violations could result in a fine of $250.
  • On a two-lane road, vehicles traveling in both directions must stop.
  • On a multi-lane paved across road, vehicles traveling in both directions must stop.
  • On a divided highway, vehicles behind the bust must stop. Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction may proceed with caution.
• Have all vehicle occupants wear their seat belts.

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.
• 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.

The safety and well-being of students, teachers and staff is the top priority of our School Resource Officers (SROs). SROs will be in the school community welcoming everyone back to class and visible throughout the year providing instruction as guest lecturers, conducting proactive patrols around schools, and building relationships vital to public safety. Safety is everyone’s responsibility and back-to-school is an opportune time to remind students about important steps that can help keep them safe while out in the community.

• Ensure students know their address and phone number.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Whenever possible, walk or bike with another person. Stay in well-lit areas.
• Limit the use of devices that may distract you.
• Avoid engaging with or answering questions from strangers.
• If something occurs that makes you feel unsafe, report the incident immediately to a trusted adult.
• Parents and guardians are encouraged to role play possible situations with students and discuss personal safety and awareness tips.

Arlington County will have variable message boards placed along the roadways reminding citizens of the start of school and to drive safely.  Chief Farr, Superintendent Murphy and Sergeant Brockenborough are reminding the community that safety is everyone’s responsibility, in an important video safety message to the community. With a little awareness and prevention, all drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians can arrive at their destinations in a timely and safe manner.