A Message from Fr. Hathaway about Driving Safety
Dear parish family,
As we head into the warmer months of the year, we will see an increase in people visiting our basilica. As you attend Mass on Sundays and visit the parish throughout the week, we want to remind you to drive safely as you enter and exit our property. Children, families, elderly, and visitors can be found in and around Old Town, especially with the uptick in traffic during the summer. Since we are a city parish, the number of accidents is higher due to larger volumes of traffic in our area. Please remember to drive carefully and observe those around you, whether you are a driver or a pedestrian.
For your convenience, we have a handicap accessible ramp on the right-hand side of the basilica. We also have three parking lots adjacent to the basilica, which can be difficult to manage at times due to double parking. Please exercise caution when entering and exiting these lots. If you see a car parked illegally on or near our property, please contact the Alexandria Office of Transportation, Parking Department or the Alexandria City Police Department.
5 Driving Safety Tips
- Stay alert to pedestrians, drivers and others around you
- Use turn signals to communicate your intention to others
- Come to a complete stop at all intersections and red lights
- Do not text and drive. 1 out of every 4 accidents in the US is caused by texting and driving, according to the National Safety Council
- Use headlights when necessary, especially at night and during inclement weather
Yours in Christ,
Very Rev. Edward Hathaway
Rector of the Basilica of Saint Mary
