NEWS RELEASE Contact: Chief Cynthia McAlister
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE cmcalister@purcellvilleva.gov, 540-338-7422
ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL TRAFFIC SAFETY CAMPAIGN UNDERWAY
PURCELLVILLE, Va., August 24, 2023 — With official start of Loudoun County Public Schools beginning today, August 24, 2023, the Purcellville Police Department is conducting their annual “Back to School” traffic safety campaign. The traffic safety campaign consists of traffic enforcement targeting school zones. Electronic message boards have been deployed at different locations throughout the Town of Purcellville to remind motorists that schools are back in session, reinforce safe driving behaviors, and to watch out for children and buses.
This campaign will be conducted beginning August 24, 2023, with the objective of reducing the number of traffic crashes occurring in and around schools, and also to increase awareness of safe behaviors for both motorists and pedestrians, especially with increased traffic volume on the roads. Specific emphasis will be place on speeding, distracted driving, aggressive driving, stop light and stop sign violations including disregarding of stop signs on school buses, seat belt and child safety seat usage, as well as pedestrian violation education.
In addition, social media reminders to include information on crosswalk safety laws, safety tips to include walking and biking to and from school, and drop off and pick up guidelines have been shared to the Department’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Nextdoor accounts, and can also be accessed on the Purcellville Police Department’s website at https://www.purcellvilleva.gov/872/Kids-Parents-Safety-Information.
Throughout the rest of the school year, the Purcellville Police Department will target school zone areas based on statistical analysis, as well as continue to incorporate enforcement and education opportunities into the daily patrol of officers. Pedestrian and motorist safety is paramount to the Purcellville Police Department and can only be achieved with the cooperation of our community members.
The Town of Purcellville, Virginia
“Purcellville-your small Town, where history and progress intersect and people prosper,” is an award-winning town of over 10,000 residents located in Loudoun County, approximately 50 miles west of Washington, DC. Having received the prestigious Siemens Sustainability Award for Small Communities, Purcellville continues to be honored for its green initiatives with most recently being the Tree City USA recipient for the 13th year. The Town was reaffirmed as a AAA rated community by S&P Global Ratings, the highest credit rating possible, and is ranked “Safest City” in Virginia in 2020. Once a stop along the W&OD rail line, which has been converted to a multi-use trail from Alexandria, VA to Purcellville, the Town has maintained its historic old-town feel through the restoration and maintenance of its many downtown structures, reflecting the Victorian architecture popular during the early 1900s. Today, Purcellville is the economic hub of western Loudoun County and a popular weekend destination for antiquing, equestrian activities, farmer’s markets, wineries, breweries, distilleries and restaurants. More info at www.purcellvilleva.gov.
