A summary of the Arlington Families for Safe Streets (Arl FSS) October 26, 2022 meeting is now available. Please read the October 2022 meeting notes and find out how you can get involved.

“Seven years ago, the District of Columbia made an ambitious commitment: It would aim to eliminate traffic deaths in the city by 2024. Christened Vision Zero, the program prompted other cities and jurisdictions in the region to follow, instituting several projects, like reducing speed limits, adding more protected bike lanes, and other safety infrastructure. “But all over the D.C. area, the project has failed. Not only have traffic deaths persisted — they’ve reached their highest numbers in nearly 15 years.” Read the full article

Check out our first newsletter! In our inaugural issue we discuss: Arlington’s “Near Miss” survey Our plans to create a Northern Virginia Safe Streets umbrella organization A partnership with VT School of Urban Planning New VA traffic laws National October Walk Month and FSS Pedestrian Safety Month We encourage you to read the full account of our advocacy efforts over the past few months and our plans for the future in the document attached above. As always, thank you for your support.

Did you know that distracted driving accounts for more than 30% of vehicle crashes? On July 8, Virginia strengthened its driver safety laws by banning hand-held cellphone use while driving. We are now a handsfree state!  AFSS was honored to attend the virtual bill signing today held by Governor Northam, and to have helped advocate for the new law, which takes effect January 1, 2021.  Congratulations to the bills sponsors, Janet Brookings of Drive Smart Virginia, and Senators Scott Surovell and Jeff Bourne, for making our streets safer with a very important piece of legislation!