Upcoming Distracted Driving Enforcement
Beginning November 3, 2015, Officers of the Fairfax County Police Department will begin a Distracted Driving campaign with the goal of reducing motor vehicle crashes on the county’s many roadways.
According to the Department’s Traffic Division, Distracted Driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes within Fairfax County.
The most recent figures released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, (NHTSA), revealed 10 percent of fatal crashes, 18 percent of injury crashes, and 16 percent of all motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2012 were reported as distraction-affected crashes.
In 2013, there were 3,154 people killed in the United States, and an estimated additional 424,000 injured in motor vehicle shes involving distracted drivers. (NHTSA)
“Distracted Driving is a widespread problem within Fairfax County,” says Captain Michael Grinnan, Commander of the Department’s Traffic Division. “One campaign a year simply is not enough to address this issue. While evidence supports that most motorists recognize the inherent risk involved in texting, or e-mailing while driving, many still continue to engage in this dangerous behavior.”
While “texting” likely comes to mind for many people, when the term ‘Distracted Driving’ is mentioned, the fact is; Distracted Driving is any activity, which has the potential to distract the driver from the task of driving.
During this campaign, officers assigned to each of the eight district stations and the Department’s Traffic Division will be utilizing different types of marked and unmarked police vehicles to observe, stop, and identify violators. Officers have the discretion to issue a written warning, or cite drivers for a violation of the appropriate county, or state code.
Take The Pledge
For more information related to Distracted Driving, or to “Take the Pledge,” visit: http://www.distraction.gov
Fairfax County Police Department News 