Traffic Safety

Multiple Crashes Per Day!

The Arlington Police Department is dispatched to approximately 2 car crashes a day based on 2021 data. The main causes are speed, driver inattention, and failure to yield right of way.

Washington law requires the wearing of seat belts while traveling in all passenger vehicles.

Washington law requires the wearing of approved helmets while riding all motorcycles.

Truck Accident with Motocycle Under It

Working With Our Neighbors

The City of Arlington Police Department works with other neighboring agencies in sharing resources for concentrated emphasis patrols to reduce crashes and apprehend impaired drivers. The City of Arlington participates in the Washington Traffic Safety Commission with emphasis on speed, seat belt usage, and DUI patrols.

Child Car Safety

If your child is under 4 feet 9 inches he or she is required to be in a booster seat (PDF) every time. It is always safer for you children to be in the back seat (PDF). Cascade Valley Hospital offers car seat checks one day each month. Contact them at 360-618-7967 for more information.

Safety Tips & Resources for Drivers

Law enforcement agencies serve drivers every day. They work to make roadways safer as they enforce driving laws and regulations, respond to accidents, and educate drivers on safe driving habits. Police officers are essential to driver safety and maintaining order on the road.

The Arlington Police Department would like to share the following driving safety tips to help keep motorists and community members safe.

With longer period of darkness, upcoming holiday festivities, school breaks, and changing weather, Arlington Police wants to ensure that motorists and drivers remain vigilant and safe while on the road.

The department wishes to provide the following safety tips on distracted driving, impaired driving, and excessive speed, all of which are common contributing factors in motor vehicle crashes:

  • Be alert. Never text, or use your phone while driving. The NHTSA reports that the average text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. While traveling at 55 mph, that’s enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded.
  • Never drive if you have been drinking or are under the influence of drugs. Every day, about 37 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that’s one person every 39 minutes.
  • Follow the speed limit. According to the NHTSA, speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities for more than two decades. 
  • Be a defensive driver. Remain cognizant of the traffic ahead, behind, and next to you at all times. Remain vigilant while driving and watch out for other drivers who may be under the influence. If you see a driver who may be impaired, find a place to safely pull over and call 911.

Read more here:  Road Safety | NHTSA