Memorial Day Weekend: More Traffic, More Travelers, More Enforcement

Posted on by

Fairfax County, VA – As Memorial Day weekend approaches and summer travel increases across the region, the Fairfax County Police Department is reminding residents and visitors to prioritize safety on our roadways. Officers will conduct increased enforcement efforts throughout the holiday weekend as part of ongoing traffic safety initiatives, including the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign, which continues through the end of May.

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer and often brings heavier traffic, crowded shopping areas, neighborhood gatherings, outdoor activities, and more pedestrians and bicyclists on the road. Officers will focus enforcement efforts on speeding, impaired driving, reckless driving, distracted driving, and seat belt violations.

Click It or Ticket

The department continues to participate in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “Click It or Ticket” campaign, aimed at increasing seat belt use and reducing injuries and fatalities during crashes.

Virginia law requires drivers and front-seat passengers to wear seat belts. Children must also be properly restrained in an approved child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt appropriate for their age, height, and weight.

Child Passenger Safety

Before traveling this Memorial Day weekend, parents and caregivers are encouraged to double-check child safety seats and ensure children are properly restrained.

Virginia law requires children to ride in a rear-facing safety seat until at least age 2, or until they reach the manufacturer’s height or weight limit for the seat. Rear-facing seats provide the best protection for a child’s head, neck, and spine during a crash.

Child Passenger Safety Tips

  • Ensure car seats are properly installed.
  • Check harness straps for a snug fit.
  • Keep children rear-facing until at least age 2, or until they outgrow the rear-facing height or weight limits of the seat.
  • Follow manufacturer height and weight guidelines.
  • Use forward-facing seats and booster seats only when children meet appropriate size requirements.
  • Use booster seats until seat belts fit properly.
  • Keep children in the back seat whenever possible.
  • Check car seats regularly for recalls or expiration dates.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to schedule free child safety seat inspections with certified technicians to ensure seats are installed correctly.

Local Child Safety Seat Inspection Resources

Drive Sober

Drivers are reminded never to drive impaired. Alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, and other substances can significantly impact reaction time and judgment.

If your plans involve alcohol:

  • Designate a sober driver,
  • Use a rideshare or taxi,
  • Stay overnight if needed,
  • Never allow an impaired friend or family member to drive.

Slow Down and Stay Alert

As temperatures rise, more people will be walking, biking, and spending time outdoors across Fairfax County neighborhoods and parks.

Drivers should:

  • Obey posted speed limits,
  • Avoid distractions while driving,
  • Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks,
  • Give bicyclists adequate space when passing,
  • Watch carefully in neighborhoods, parking lots, and near parks.

Pedestrians and bicyclists are also encouraged to remain alert, use crosswalks when available, wear reflective gear at night, and follow traffic laws.

The Fairfax County Police Department wishes everyone a safe Memorial Day weekend and safe start to the summer season.

Register your camera with Connect Fairfax County to help support investigations, locate missing persons, and assist officers in solving crimes.

For ongoing updates, visit FCPD News and follow Fairfax County Police Department on X, Facebook, and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.