Earlier darkness means drivers must be extra careful—really looking for pedestrians and bike riders

Now that daylight fades before 5 p.m. drivers need to be on the lookout for pedestrians and bicycle riders, says the Prince William County Police Department that is stepping up enforcement.

Conditions that may reduce visibility include rain, fog or any other situation where drivers cannot clearly see people or vehicles that are 500 feet away, or whenever windshield wipers are in use. Police will stop drivers who fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians.

This week police are stressing the “Street Smart” education and enforcement campaign to reduce the number of motor vehicle collisions with pedestrians and bicycles

Until Nov. 24 especially, police officers will focus attention on vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle violations that contribute to these types of crashes: speeding, running red lights, running stop signs, and driving without headlights at night or at any time of reduced visibility.

The “Street Smart” campaign aims: 

• To change motorist and pedestrian behavior, and to reduce injuries and crashes,
• To increase awareness of the consequences of pedestrian and bicycle crashes, and
• To recommend actions to reduce risks, such as: 

• Pedestrians should use crosswalks
• Drivers should heed traffic signals, looking left-right-left before turning or changing lanes, slowing down and stopping for pedestrians.

By working together, drivers and police can help reduce traffic crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists, making our County safe. For more information, call the Traffic Unit at (703) 792-7254, or visit the Police Department’s Pedestrian Safety web page.