Sully District police officers, residents and American Disposal Services employees participated in “Trash Talk.” Photo Courtesy of Tara Gerhard
Speeding in residential neighborhoods is a common problem throughout Fairfax County, and the local area is no exception. So officers from the Sully District Police Station partnered with American Disposal Services employers and residents of the Virginia Run community to try a new approach toward slowing down these drivers.
Last Monday, May 23, they participated in “Trash Talks.” Volunteers affixed “Keep Kids Alive Drive 25” stickers to residential trash bins to help educate and remind drivers to slow down for children’s safety. Twice a week, the stickers will be rolled out to the curb and provide a regular reminder to all passing drivers to watch their speed.
Furthermore, many people don’t realize that trash collection is listed as the fifth most dangerous job in the country, with about 40 percent of trash-collection worker injuries and fatalities occurring due to transportation-related incidents. So this traffic initiative will help them, too.
“We have received a lot of positive feedback about America’s Trash Talks, Keep Kids Alive, Drive 25’ program,” said Sully District Station PFC Tara Gerhard afterward. “We appreciate the kind words and support. At this time, we’re only piloting the program on one street. [However], we’re working with community leaders to expand the program to other neighborhoods in the district soon.”