Traffic Safety Enforcement Campaign Kicks Off In NoVA, DC

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA—As more people begin to use the roads in the spring, a campaign to increase enforcement of traffic safety laws kicked off Tuesday in Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland.

The Street Smart campaign coordinated by Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) and local law enforcement partners will run through May 13. Police will ticket drivers violating the speed limit or failing to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Violations could lead to fines and points on a driver’s record.

To become familiar with the traffic laws related to pedestrians and bicyclists in DC, Maryland and Virginia, click here.

According to the COG, although traffic fatalities decreased in 2018, there was a 19 percent increase in the number of pedestrians and bicyclists killed in crashes across the DC region. Pedestrian and cyclist deaths make up more than one third of all traffic-related deaths in the region, similar to national data.

The Street Smart campaign kickoff was held in the Richmond Highway corridor of Fairfax County, where officials are working with changing trends for transportation. In particular, the Richmond Highway corridor, Tysons and Mosaic District are trending toward becoming urbanized centers with more use of alternate forms of transportation.

"Making travel safer requires all of us — government, law enforcement, and the public — to increase our collective efforts," said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova in a statement. "We are grateful for programs like Street Smart that remind the public to be alert, to be safe, and to watch out for each other on the roads."

Tips for traffic safety from the Street Smart campaign

For drivers

• 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.
• Avoid using your cell phone and never text while driving.

For pedestrians

• Cross the street at the corner and use marked crosswalks when they’re available.
• Use the push buttons.
• Wait for the walk signal to cross the street.
• Watch for turning vehicles.
• Before crossing, look left, right, and left again.
• 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.

For bicyclists

• 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.