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Fairfax County, VA – April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) is reminding drivers that taking your eyes off the road — even for a few seconds — can have serious consequences.
Distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes, injuries, and fatalities both in Virginia and across the country. Whether it’s a text, a call, or a quick glance at your GPS, any distraction behind the wheel puts lives at risk.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts your attention from the road, including:
- Texting or emailing
- Holding or talking on a phone
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting in-car entertainment or navigation systems
- Interacting with passengers
Texting is especially dangerous — it takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.
Safety Tips to Stay Focused
To help reduce distractions while driving:
- Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb”. Keep it out of reach and out of mind.
- Plan ahead. Set your GPS and playlists before you start driving.
- If it’s urgent, pull over safely.
- Avoid multitasking. Eat, groom, and handle non-driving tasks before getting on the road.
- Lead by example. Talk to your teens and model safe driving behavior.
Increased Enforcement Throughout April
Throughout the month, FCPD officers — including our Traffic Safety Section — will be increasing patrols and conducting targeted enforcement in areas known for distracted driving-related incidents.
As Wave 2 of our Road Shark campaign starts on April 21, there will be a coordinated enforcement effort focusing on aggressive and distracted driving behaviors. Drivers should expect to see more officers on the roads and more traffic stops.
Road Shark is a regional initiative to promote safe driving through education, high visibility, and enforcement. It’s one of many efforts we’re making to keep our community safe on the road.
Stay Alert. Stay Alive.
Distracted driving is 100% preventable. A split-second decision can change a life forever — or end one. Stay focused, stay alert, and help us keep Fairfax County’s roads safe for everyone.
Register your camera with Connect Fairfax County to help FCPD solve crimes, locate missing people, and support investigations.
For ongoing updates, please read our blog and follow us on X, Facebook, and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.
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