Make a Toast, Make It Home: New Year’s Eve Safety Tips from FCPD

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Fairfax County, VA – As we prepare to ring in the New Year, the Fairfax County Police Department reminds the community that while this is a time for celebration, it is important to keep our roadways safe.

Throughout the holiday season, our officers have intensified enforcement efforts focused on impaired driving, speeding, and aggressive behavior. During Thanksgiving and throughout Safe December, officers encountered numerous impaired drivers and conducted targeted DWI enforcement operations.

Move Over Enforcement and Officer Safety

Officer safety remains a priority. During Safe December enforcement efforts, more than one Fairfax County police cruiser was struck by an impaired driver while working traffic enforcement and DWI details. These incidents highlight the very real dangers officers face while protecting our community.

On a “Move Over” enforcement dayheld on December 20, officers issued 26 “Move Over” violations, and two DWI arrests were made after impaired driving was observed during those stops. Drivers are reminded that Virginia law requires motorists to move over or slow down when approaching stationary emergency vehicles.

New Year’s Eve Safety Tips

As celebrations continue, residents are encouraged to plan ahead and make safe choices:

  • Do not drive impaired. If you plan to drink, arrange a ride home in advance.
  • Use a designated driver, rideshare, or public transportation.
  • Buckle up, every trip, every time.
  • Slow down and remain alert for pedestrians and other drivers.
  • Move over or slow down for emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and disabled vehicles on the roadway.
  • If you see a suspected impaired driver, call 9-1-1.

WRAP SoberRide Initiative

Residents are also encouraged to take advantage of the Washington Regional Alcohol Program SoberRide program.

WRAP’s first 2025 Holiday SoberRide code, DCSAFERIDE25, is valid nightly from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., now through 4:00 a.m. on December 31, for the first 2,000 passengers. A second New Year’s Eve-specific code will be released at 9:00 p.m. tonight.

Celebrate Smart, Arrive Alive

The Fairfax County Police Department wishes everyone a safe and happy New Year. Celebrating responsibly helps ensure that everyone makes it home safely and that officers can continue protecting the community throughout the holiday season.

Interested in joining our team? Visit our website to learn more about joining FCPD.

Register your camera with Connect Fairfax County to help FCPD solve crimes, locate missing people, and support investigations.

For more ways to stay connected, please read our blog and follow us on X, Facebook, and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.