Fairfax County Police Department News

Police urge motorists to travel alcohol-free this Halloween weekend and are stepping up their impaired driving efforts October 31 through November 3.

In the first three quarters of 2012 there were 7,581 vehicle crashes and 487of those were alcohol-related. For the same period in 2013, there were 6,934 crashes and 406 of those were alcohol-related.

Officers from districts across the county are enacting a variety of DWI saturation patrols and campaigns to combat impaired driving.

Officers in McLean, for example, are partnering with numerous jurisdictions on their “Operation Extra Eyes for DWIs” project.  Law enforcement officers from the Town of Vienna, Fairfax City, Washington Airports Authority, United States Park, Falls Church City, and Virginia State Troopers will conduct saturation patrols Halloween night from 8 p.m. through 4 a.m. November 1.

In an effort to help keep residents safe, officers in the Franconia District will be deploying their Neighborhood Patrol Unit on bicycles.

Following several serious and fatal crashes where alcohol was a factor, the Sully District will enact “BOOze and Lose” patrols that will target dangerous driving behaviors.

Additionally, police remind residents and motorists of the increase in pedestrians across the county and urge parents and loved ones to:

• Make sure children cross the street with an adult.
• Walk on sidewalks or paths.
• Cross the street at corners; obey traffic signals and crosswalk signs.
• Watch for cars that may be turning or backing up.
• Stay alert and remember that Fairfax County neighborhoods will be teeming with children; in both large and small groups.
• Drive slowly.
• Wear reflective costumes or carry lights to be seen by motorists.

Enjoy a safe and happy Halloween.

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