As Arlington Public Schools prepares to welcome students back on Monday, August 26, 2024, the community anticipates increased pedestrian, bicycle, and school bus traffic. Ensuring the safety of students during their commute is paramount and requires a collective effort from drivers, students, parents, and the entire Arlington community. The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) and the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) are proactively addressing this with a high-visibility transportation safety campaign around school zones.
To amplify safety awareness, variable message boards will be strategically placed across Arlington roadways. These boards will serve as constant reminders about the commencement of the school year and crucial safety guidelines. By fostering increased vigilance and promoting preventative measures, all commuters can contribute to a safer and more efficient transportation environment.
Enhanced Safety Measures: School Zone Speed Safety Camera Program
Arlington County is taking a significant step forward in ensuring student safety with the launch of the PhotoSPEED program. This innovative program utilizes camera technology to monitor and record vehicles exceeding posted speed limits within designated school zones. Starting on the first day of school, the program will initially issue warnings.
The PhotoSPEED program is implemented across 10 school zones, encompassing the following locations:
- NB 1300 block of Kirkwood Road
- WB 5800 block of Wilson Boulevard
- SB 400 block of N. George Mason Drive
- SB 600 block of S. Carlin Springs Road
- SB Unit block of S. Carlin Springs Road
- SB 1900 block of S. George Mason Drive
- NB 1900 block of S George Mason Drive
- SB 1200 block of S. George Mason Drive
- EB 4500 block of Washington Boulevard
- EB 5200 block of Yorktown Boulevard
Following the initial warning period, a $100 civil fine will be issued for speeding infractions, commencing on September 25th. It’s crucial to note that these speed safety cameras are operational during school arrival and departure times, specifically when the lights on the speed limit signs are flashing.
PhotoSPEED is a vital component of Arlington County’s broader Automated Safety Enforcement Program and reinforces the County’s commitment to the Vision Zero Transportation Safety Program efforts, aiming to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
Vision Zero Advancements and Updated School Zones
Arlington County’s dedication to student safety extends beyond the PhotoSPEED program. The Department of Environmental Services has recently completed a comprehensive 3-year project to upgrade all school zones within the county to align with newly established school zone guidelines. This extensive review and update process was conducted in close collaboration with Arlington Public Schools staff.
The Vision Zero initiative is further emphasizing school zone speed limit compliance through the fall of 2024. This includes expanding the tactical speed humps pilot and the ongoing implementation of the school zone speed safety camera program.
Tactical speed humps were reintroduced in select locations in fall 2023 as a pilot project to effectively reduce vehicle speeds in school slow zones. School slow zones are defined as neighborhood streets within 600 feet of a key school access point with a permanent 20 mph speed limit. Data analysis indicated that simply introducing 20 mph speed limits was insufficient in lowering speeds in these zones, necessitating the implementation of physical speed calming measures. Tactical speed humps are a proven and cost-effective solution, easily installed and removed as needed, constructed from durable, 100% recycled material.
The initial tactical speed hump pilot locations, installed in winter 2023, include:
- Cardinal Elementary School: 19th Street N. between N. Madison Street and N. Lexington Street
- Hoffman Boston Elementary School: S. Queen Street between 12th Street S. and 13th Road S.
- Gunston Middle School: S. Lang Street between Arlington Ridge Road and 28th Street S.
Additional locations slated for tactical speed hump installation in fall 2024 are:
- Jefferson Middle / Fleet Elementary School: S. Irving Street between Arlington Boulevard and 2nd Street S.
- Drew Elementary School: 22nd Street S. between S. Monroe Street and S. Kenmore Street
- Wakefield High / Claremont Elementary School: S. Dinwiddie Street between S. George Mason Drive and S. Chesterfield Road
For the latest updates on this initiative, please visit the Vision Zero Pilot Projects page.
Essential Transportation Safety Guidelines for Everyone
To ensure the safety of Arlington students and the wider community, it’s crucial for everyone to adhere to transportation safety guidelines.
Safety Reminders for Drivers:
- Observe Speed Limits: Always adhere to posted speed limits, which may fluctuate during school zone hours.
- Eliminate Distractions: Avoid distracted driving and maintain full attention on the road.
- Pedestrian Awareness: Be vigilant for students walking and biking to school, particularly in crosswalks and intersections.
- School Bus Safety: Never pass a stopped school bus when it is loading or unloading passengers. Understand and comply with school bus stopping laws:
- On two-lane roads, vehicles in both directions must stop.
- On multi-lane paved roads, vehicles in both directions must stop.
- On divided highways, vehicles behind the bus must stop. Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction may proceed with caution.
- At 4-way intersections, vehicles approaching from all directions must stop for school buses with flashing red lights and extended stop signs.
- Seatbelt Use: Ensure all vehicle occupants are properly wearing seatbelts.
- Designated Drop-off/Pick-up: Utilize designated student pick-up and drop-off locations at schools.
Safety Reminders for Pedestrians:
- Crosswalk Use: Always cross streets at marked crosswalks and never against a red light.
- Look Before Crossing: Thoroughly check for traffic before crossing the street and follow directions from crossing guards or school staff.
- Sidewalk and Path Use: Walk on designated sidewalks or paths, avoiding walking along the side of the road.
Safety Reminders for Bicyclists:
- Helmet Use: Wear a helmet. Helmets are mandatory for riders 14 and younger and recommended for all cyclists.
- Ride with Traffic: Keep to the right and ride in the direction of traffic flow.
- Secure Your Bicycle: Always lock your bicycle when it is not in use to prevent theft.
General Safety Tips for Students
Back-to-school time is an excellent opportunity to reinforce essential safety practices with students. Parents and guardians are encouraged to engage in role-playing scenarios and discussions about personal safety and situational awareness.
Ensure students:
- Know Contact Information: Know their home address, phone number, and how to contact a parent or guardian in case of emergency.
- Carry Identification: Carry a photo ID for easy identification.
- Situational Awareness: Remain aware of their surroundings and potential hazards.
- Buddy System: Walk or bike with a friend or classmate whenever possible and stay in well-lit, populated areas.
- Limit Distractions: Minimize the use of electronic devices that could divert their attention from their surroundings.
- Stranger Awareness: Avoid interacting with or answering questions from strangers.
- Report Concerns: Immediately report anything that makes them feel unsafe to a trusted adult, such as a parent, guardian, teacher, or school staff member.
By working together and prioritizing safety, Arlington can ensure a secure and successful back-to-school transition for all students.
