ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The recent report from Northern Virginia Families for Safe Streets (NoVA FSS) reveals a concerning rise in traffic near-miss incidents in northern Virginia, particularly in Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax County. Covering data from January 2023 to June 2024, the report states that 82% of the 2,500 incidents recorded involved recurring dangerous events at specific locations.
The group attributes much of the danger to drivers’ failure to yield, which accounts for 65% of incidents, followed by speeding (43%). High-risk corridors include Duke Street in Alexandria, North Quincy Street in Arlington, and Blake Lane in Fairfax County. The report underscores the need for greater awareness of pedestrian safety and increased enforcement to prevent traffic violations.
Mike Doyle, founder of NoVA FSS, emphasized that unreported incidents are likely far more common, citing poor public awareness of their Near Miss survey. Pedestrians like Emily Kulze have echoed these concerns, recounting personal experiences with near misses due to drivers ignoring pedestrian crossings.
The report has been shared with local police departments, in hopes of driving policy changes to improve street safety for pedestrians and cyclists.