Police Aim to Improve Conditions for Bicyclists, Pedestrians

The Prince William County Police Department is launching a campaign to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. 

The department hopes that the initiative, which they've dubbed "Street Smart," will change the behaviors of motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists. In a news release, police said that a purpose of the campaign, which runs from Nov. 18-24, will be to increase awareness about the consequences of crashes.

Police will focus their attention on the following violations that can lead to crashes:

• speeding
• running red lights or stop signs
• failure to use headlights at night or during times of reduced visibility, such as fog, rain or snow 
• failure to yield right of way to pedestrians

The department also urges motorists to obey traffic signals, look both ways before turning, slow down when necessary and stop for pedestrians. Pedestrians should always use crosswalks and obey signals. 

Anyone interested in learning more about the campaign can call the Traffic Unit at 703-792-7254, or visit the police website.