Fairfax County Police Crack Down on Aggressive Drivers

Fairfax County police have issued more than 2,000 summonses for unsafe, aggressive driving behaviors since a summer traffic safety initiative went into effect June 15, the department announced Wednesday.

Police call the program HEAT (Help Eliminate Aggressive Traffic). These include violations such as as failure to pay full time and attention, texting while operating a vehicle, having a television visible to a driver and wearing earphones while driving.

Police issued 284 citations issued for improper passing, lane changes, U-turns or turns at intersections. There were 370 drivers who were ticketed for driving on a revoked or suspended driver’s license. There were 71 citations issued to pedestrians for pedestrian-related violations.

Also, more than 550 citations were issued for child restraint or seatbelt violations. Hundreds of other motorists were ticketed for driving improperly in safety zones, following too closely and signaling violations.

The safety effort will continue through August. Police are urging motorists to slow down, drive courteously and be patient with fellow-motorists.

“Aggressive driving leads to crashes, causing more traffic congestion, delays and even hotter tempers,” said Commander Susan Culin, captain of the traffic division, in a statement. “We’re hoping this safety effort will help encourage everyone to slow down, pay attention, and cool off a bit."