Tis the Season for Safety: DWI Squad Patrols for a Safer Holiday Season

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Fairfax County, VA – Holiday lights, parties, and festive celebrations are underway in Fairfax County and FCPD’s DWI Enforcement Squad is working to ensure road safety by holding reckless and impaired drivers accountable.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), December drunk driving deaths are the highest in nearly 15 years. Our DWI Enforcement Squad ramps up at the end of every year to focus on Safe December. During this campaign, running from December 4 to December 29, the squad will increase their staffing and focus on ensuring our roadways remain safe this holiday season. These initiatives are aimed at promoting sober driving, pinpointing impaired drivers, and increasing officer presence on the roads.

In 2016, we established a specialized DWI Enforcement Squad with the primary goal of identifying impaired drivers and removing them from our streets. Their goal is that these efforts will serve as an educational reminder to all drivers, ultimately contributing to safer roads and preventing tragedies.

As we approach the holiday season, we encourage everyone to do their part in ensuring road safety.

Here are some steps you can take:

  • Don’t drink and drive: If you’ve been drinking, do not get behind the wheel.
  • Plan ahead: If you plan to consume alcohol, arrange for a designated driver, utilize a ride-sharing service, or take a taxi.
  • Help friends and family: If you are with someone who has been drinking, do not allow them to drive and assist in arranging a sober ride for them.
  • Be a responsible party host: If you are hosting an event where alcohol is served, ensure that your guests leave with a sober driver.
  • Report impaired drivers: While on the road, if you suspect someone is driving under the influence, please report them by calling 9-1-1 for emergencies or at our non-emergency line at 703-691-2131.
  • Communicate effectively: It is crucial for parents to have conversations with their children about the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of safe driving habits.

Let’s work together to keep our roads safe and protect the well-being of our community.

To learn more about how drunk and impaired driving affects a driver, check out some facts from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration by clicking HERE.

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