Aggressive Driving Enforcement Begins On Key Alexandria Routes

ALEXANDRIA, VA — As part of a regional traffic safety campaign, Alexandria Police will be targeting aggressive driving on busy routes in the city.

Localities are participating in the Street Smart campaign, which seeks to raise awareness about pedestrian, bicycle, and driver safety as well as enforcement of laws protecting all kinds of road users. According to the city, the Street Smart campaign complements Alexandria’s Vision Zero plan to end serious injuries and fatalities from traffic crashes by 2028.

Alexandria Police will be focusing its enforcement around the King Street Metro as well as West Braddock Road, Seminary Road, Duke Street and Commonwealth Avenue.

There were an estimated 130 people killed or severely injured in crashes in Alexandria from 2018 to 2023, according to the city's latest Vision Zero report. However, fatalities and severe injuries have trended down since 2018.

To support the Street Smart campaign, city government and police encourage residents to follow traffic laws and safety tips:

Drivers

• Slow down, drive the speed limit, and obey all posted traffic signs and signals.
• Avoid blocking crosswalks and bike lanes.
• Remain alert for pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Use caution when passing buses or stopped vehicles.
• Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists when turning.
• Watch for people biking when entering or exiting a parked car next to a bike lane.
• Allow for at least 3 feet when passing bicyclists.
• Avoid using your cell phone and never text while driving. Holding a hand-held communication device while driving is illegal in Virginia.

Pedestrians

• Cross the street at the corner and use marked crosswalks when they are available.
• Wait for the walk signal to cross the street at signalized intersections.
• Look both ways before crossing.
• Verify that all drivers have stopped before crossing multiple lanes at unsignalized intersections

Bicyclists and Scooter Riders

• Ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Ride in the center of the travel lane when bike lanes aren’t available to discourage people driving from passing too closely.
• Be predictable and use hand signals to communicate your intentions with others.
• Every person on a bicycle who is 14 years of age or younger is required to wear a protective helmet within the City of Alexandria.
• Keep your eyes on the road and avoid the use of devices that may distract you.
• Use headlights and taillights, especially when riding between sunset and sunrise.

Other traffic safety efforts in the last year to promote the city's Vision Zero plan included piloting a slow zone in the Lynhaven neighborhood, installed speed feedback signs on North Beauregard Street and West Braddock Road, added no-turn-on-red signage and leading pedestrian intervals at Patrick and Henry Street intersections, reduced the speed limit from 35 mph to 25 mph on North Beauregard Street and on West Braddock Road, added speed cameras in three school zones and more.