Local police issue 60,818 tickets in final traffic enforcement push
Fairfax County officers issued nearly 20,000 citations during the last week of the campaign, marking a 23% increase over the previous year's total.
By Kenneth Adams ·
The Fairfax County Police Department issued 60,818 citations and warnings during the 2026 Road Shark traffic safety campaign. This total represents a 23% increase compared to the 49,304 citations and warnings issued in the previous year's initiative.
The campaign, which began in April, concluded with a fourth and final wave of enforcement from Oct. 12 to Oct. 18. During that single week, officers issued 19,272 citations and warnings. The department targets areas known for speeding and other hazards to reduce dangerous driving behaviors. Virginia State Police also participate in the effort.
Road Shark was introduced in 1999 and returned in 2023 after a surge in fatal crashes in 2022. That year recorded 66 traffic-related deaths, with 32 involving pedestrians. This remains the highest number of traffic deaths recorded since the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles launched its online Traffic Records Electronic Data System, or TREDS, in 2010.
Preliminary data from TREDS shows 42 fatalities so far in 2026, though not all crashes have been fully recorded. For example, the database lists only one death in October, while police have reported four fatal crashes in the same month. Two of those October crashes killed pedestrians. Crashes involving motorcycles have also been a focus this year.
A cluster of five deaths in two days in June contributed to a total of 10 fatalities for that month. The police department used that period to urge drivers and pedestrians to avoid risky behaviors, such as drinking alcohol or crossing outside a crosswalk.
The department stated that the campaign resulted in hundreds of Driving While Intoxicated arrests and citations for Reckless Driving and the Unlawful Use of Handheld Devices While Driving. Officials said these actions reinforce the commitment to reducing dangerous driving across Fairfax County.
In a closing statement, the Fairfax County Police Department reminded drivers to plan ahead, stay focused behind the wheel, obey posted speed limits, and never drive under the influence as the campaign concludes.
Source: FFXnow · original report published
