Pedestrian Safety Campaign Begins Monday

From Prince William County Police Department: 

The Prince William County Police Department invites County residents to help observe pedestrian and bicyclist safety during the “Street Smart” education and enforcement campaign during the week of April 1-7.

This campaign is aimed at reducing the number of pedestrian and bicycle crashes with motor vehicles. During the campaign, police officers will focus attention on vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle violations that are known to contribute to these types of crashes:

• speeding
• running red lights
• running stop signs
• not using headlights at night or at any time when visibility is reduced.

Conditions that may reduce visibility include rain, fog or any other situation where drivers can’t clearly see people or vehicles that are 500 feet away, or whenever windshield wipers are in use. There will also be an emphasis on drivers who fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians.

Campaign’s Goals:

• To change motorists and pedestrian behavior, and reduce injuries and crashes
• To increase awareness of the consequences of pedestrian and bicycle crashes
• To recommend actions to reduce risks, such as:
  • Using Crosswalks 
  • Obeying Traffic Signals 
  • Looking left-right-left before turning, changing lanes 
  • Slowing Down 
  • Stopping for Pedestrians