Police To Conduct Back-To-School Driver Safety Program In Arlington

ARLINGTON, VA — The Arlington County Police Department will conduct a high-visibility transportation safety campaign in and around school zones and bus stops starting Monday, Aug. 28 when students return to school in the county.

Message boards are being placed on roadways in Arlington to raise awareness about the start of the school year and to share safety messaging.

Arlington County police are urging drivers to obey speed limits, which may change during school zone times. Drivers also should avoid distracted driving. Holding a hand-held communication device while driving is illegal in Virginia. Violations could result in a fine of up to $125 for a first offense.

According to police, here are the rules to follow when coming upon a stopped school bus:

• On a two-lane road, vehicles traveling in both directions must stop.
• On a multi-lane paved road, vehicles traveling in both directions must stop.
• On a divided highway, vehicles behind the bus must stop. Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction may proceed with caution.
• When approaching from any direction at a 4-way intersection, vehicles must stop for school buses with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign.

As part of its Vision Zero initiative, Arlington County recently completed 14 school “Slow Zone” retrofits, following the completion of 13 in 2022. Slow Zones feature lower speed limits, school crossing signs, high visibility crosswalks and special pavement markings on roads within 600 feet of school access points.

READ ALSO: When Do You Stop For A School Bus? Know The Law In Northern Virginia

Arlington County also is working with all remaining schools in the county to plan the last batch of school zone retrofits and school Slow Zones to be installed in early 2024.

In these Slow Zones in Arlington, the 20 mph Slow Zone speed limit remains in effect, even when school is not in session.

The mission of the Vision Zero initiative is to eliminate all significant traffic injuries in the county by 2030.

The Arlington County Police Department also is developing a school zone speed camera program that is tentatively scheduled to launch in early 2024.

A Virginia law allows localities to use speed cameras in school zones and issue fines up to $100 for violations. Other Northern Virginia localities, including Fairfax County, City of Fairfax, City of Alexandria and City of Manassas, have already implemented school zone speed cameras.

Under the state law, signs along the road must inform drivers of a speed camera being present.

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