Fairfax County police to ticket more traffic violators

FALLS CHURCH, Va. ( DC News Now ) —Drivers may see more officers ticketing those roads who violate traffic laws as part of the “Street Smart” spring campaign.

Fairfax County Police officers are actively ticketing drivers who break traffic safety laws.

Unsafe drivers could be slapped with fines up to $500 and points on their record.

115 people were killed by drivers in D.C. last year while they were walking and biking, according to Street Smart.

That’s a 17% decrease from the year 2022 but police say there’s still a long way to go.

Police say pedestrian and bicyclist deaths account for more than 30% of all traffic fatalities in the region.

Officials are increasing their enforcement of speed limits, stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks, and passing cyclists with at least 3 feet of clearance.

They will also use the “Street Smart” campaign period to educate drivers on the deadly consequences of breaking traffic safety laws.

Arlington mother Helen Harris was hit by a truck while pushing her daughter in a stroller in Rosslyn, VA.

She had to have her leg amputated.

“It took me a couple of months,” says Arlington mother Helen Harris. “I want to say maybe four to six months before I was able to cross the street again. It wasn’t something I was comfortable with. I think one of the lessons that I would like people to learn from my story is for people to know to be more aware of the importance for streets to be safe.”

The “Street Smart” campaign runs until May 19th.

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