Arlington Deploys Crossing Guards, Police In and Near School Zones

With , Arlington County has announced several new awareness and safety measures.

Up to 1,500 additional students will be walking, riding a bike or riding in a car to school, according to a statement by County Board Chairwoman Mary Hynes.

The county has added extra crossing guards at intersections and police will be monitoring driving behavior near schools, Hynes stated.

Beginning today, police officers, sheriff's deputies, crossing guards and public service aides will be directing traffic in and around school zones across the county, according to a county news release. Nearly all Arlington Public School students return to classes today.

The extra police coverage will be at 18 locations across Arlington County during the first week of school, according to the news release, and those locations will be evaluated for safety.

Highway message boards will be placed at key intersections to remind motorists that a new school year has begun.

The county issued a reminder last week that commuters should stay alert and to yield to pedestrians at pedestrian crossings and in school zones.

“It’s important for each of us to take special care when we see schoolchildren walking in the mornings and afternoons, and to be patient with parents driving their kids to school,” Hynes stated. Police will coordinate additional crossings and monitor major roads and highways near schools as needed, the news release states.

Next week is Virginia Bicyclist and Pedestrian Awareness Week.

The county shared the following links to learn more about sharing the streets, bicycling and walking safely in Arlington:

• WALKArlington’s Walk to School webpage 
• Tips from APS  for Students Walking to School or the Bus Stop 
• Walk and Bike to School Day Safety Tips 
• Be a PAL on Arlington’s Streets 
• Biking in Arlington 
• www.carfreediet.com