Tag: safety
High school crossing guards could be eliminated
The Fairfax County Police Department wants to eliminate crossing guards at high schools and replace the use of police officers with crossing guards provided under contract by a private vendor. That would help with two issues – the high cost of overtime for police officers and the difficulty of recruiting enough crossing guards, Assistant Police … Continued
FCDOT will study speed limit reductions to 20 mph
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is conducting a pilot study to measure the impact of reducing the speed limit on certain roads from 25 to 20 miles per hour. The study includes four roads in Mason District: FCDOT expects to have the new speed limit signs installed in summer 2026. Traffic speed, volume … Continued
Edsall Road crosswalk improved
Residents of Bren Pointe and surrounding communities in Bren Mar Park now have a safer way to cross Edsall Road, thanks to a newly enhanced crosswalk. There had already been a striped crosswalk at that spot, but many cars didn’t stop for pedestrians, said Mary Bowen, vice president of the Bren Pointe HOA. The … Continued
Fire station hosts the public at an open house
Children got a chance to explore fire trucks, ambulances, and the Fairfax 1 helicopter at the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department’s open house on Oct. 11, while also getting a lesson in fire prevention. As a volunteer-run fire department, the two stations in Annandale – at 7128 Columbia Pike and 8914 Little River Turnpike – depend … Continued
Residents invited to adopt a fire hydrant
The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department invites members of the public to adopt a fire hydrant. Those who adopt a hydrant will be responsible for clearing snow and ice after storms and removing grass, leaves, and trash to ensure it is visible and accessible. “This initiative is designed to enhance community safety and ensure that … Continued
Report highlights pedestrian safety hotspots
The latest “near miss” report by Northern Virginia Families for Safe Streets (NoVA FSS) identifies Gallows Road at Woodburn Elementary School as one of the county’s most dangerous spots for pedestrians. The report is based on data submitted by the public highlighting places where pedestrians and cyclists just missed being struck by a vehicle. NoVA … Continued
Weapon detectors to be added at school board meetings
Anyone attending a Fairfax County School Board meeting will be required to pass through a weapon detector, FCPS announced. “The program is the newest layer of security implemented by the division to maximize the safety of our community, including all students, staff, school board members, and members of the public who attend these meetings,” FCPS … Continued
Police Department discontinues child safety seat inspections
The Fairfax County Police Department is no longer conducting free child safety seat inspections. The free service had been carried out monthly at police stations across the county, including the Mason Police Station. According to the FCPD, “This program was discontinued due to recent budget cuts and is no longer available through our department.” The … Continued
Follow these tips for a safe July 4
Planning your own fireworks show tonight? Follow these safety tips from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department to avoid turning a fun holiday into a tragedy: Any firework that explodes, emits a flame or sparks higher than 12 feet, or performs as a projectile is prohibited by the Fairfax County Fire Prevention Code. Firecrackers, … Continued
Weapon scanners are now permanent at Annandale HS
By Shane Gomez Passing through a weapon detection scanner is now a permanent procedure for students arriving at Annandale High School. The scanners were set up at Annandale to help staff prepare for the start of the 2025-26 school year, when weapon detection scanners will be implemented in all high schools, according to a May … Continued
Speed camera to be installed at Belvedere Elementary
The Fairfax County Police Department is installing speed cameras at 10 additional schools. Three schools are being added in the first group, including Belvedere Elementary School on Columbia Pike in Mason District. A 30-day warning period will begin on July 2, with citations issued beginning on Aug. 18. Citations will begin Sept. 17 for the … Continued
Mural, safety improvements planned for Annandale street
The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board approved an $80,000 grant to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety on Tom Davis Drive in Annandale. Tom Davis Drive is a county-managed street that connects John Marr Drive and Columbia Pike. The Regional Roadway Safety Program grant will develop designs for traffic-calming measures, such as protected bike lanes, … Continued
FCPS launches weapon detection pilot
Fairfax County Public Schools is launching a weapons detection pilot in randomly selected high schools beginning next week. FCPS will deploy 15 portable OpenGate devices from CEIA USA, a company based in Ohio. The Office of Safety and Security will select at least one school a week for screening during morning arrival. The screening devices … Continued
Free seminars focus on safe driving for seniors
When an elderly relative has a crash, it might be too late to talk to them about giving up on driving, says Kurt Gray, the owner of the Seniors Helping Seniors Metro Springfield. That’s why it’s important for people to talk to the seniors in their family early, before their ability to drive declines too … Continued
Cameras will catch drivers who don’t stop for school buses
Some Fairfax County Public School buses will soon have cameras installed on the stop-sign arms that activate when the buses stop to let children on and off. The cameras will record drivers who fail to stop when the buses are loading or unloading children. Violators will receive a $250 citation in the mail. The cameras … Continued