Public Safety Corner
Important Phone Numbers and Websites:
Police Emergency 911
Police Non-Emergency 703.691.2131
Fire Non-Emergency 703.246.2126
Reston District Police Station 703.478.0904
Please email Traffic Enforcement Officer David at FCPDRestonSET@fairfaxcounty.gov or Crime Prevention Office Brown at FCPDRestonCPO@fairfaxcounty.gov
To connect with ‘Teens in Crisis’, call 1-800-729-8336 or text “NEEDHELP” to 855-11.
For more information visit https://www.second-story.org/teens/
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) 24-Hour Customer Service 800.367.7623
VDOT - Report Road Problems Online - https://my.vdot.virginia.gov
To register to receive Fairfax County Alerts - www.fairfaxcounty.gov/topics/alerts
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) - www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fire-ems/community-emergency-response-team-cert
Community Advisory Committee (CAC) information: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/GetInvolved/CommunityAdvisoryCommittee
Eight Ways To Keep Burglars Away From Your Home This Summer:
1. Do not leave notes on your door stating you are not home.
2. If possible, keep a vehicle parked in your driveway or regular parking spot.
3. Make your home appear occupied; use timers/apps on lights to automatically power them on like normal, daily use.
4. Ask a trusted neighbor, relative, friend or pet sitter to pick up mail and packages; remove all flyers, doorknob hangers and advertisements that have been placed at your door or mailbox...
5. Do not leave door keys under flower pots or doormats, inside an unlocked mailbox, over the doorway or in other obvious places.
6. Consider having someone mow your yard and water your outdoor plants.
7. Keep all doors and windows locked.
8. Avoid posting vacation plans on social media sites; share photos from your trip only after you return home.
PUBLIC SAFETY CORNER
Most Common Bicycle and Motor Vehicle Accidents:
Midblock Rideout ~ This is the most frequent accident type for young riders and occurs soon after the bicyclist enters the road from a driveway, alley or curb without slowing, stopping or looking for traffic. The bicyclist’s sudden entry leaves the motorist too little time to avoid the collision. “Bicyclist” - Stop and look left-right-left for traffic before entering the road.
Wrong Way Riding ~ Motorists do not expect traffic to be approaching from the wrong way. It is the exception to the rule that creates the condition of an accident which is the main reason why it is dangerous to ride facing traffic. “Bicyclist” - Go with the flow! Ride Right with traffic just like cars do.
Motorist Overtaking Cyclist ~ This accident occurs because the motorist fails to see and react to the bicyclist until it’s too late. This accident type is more frequent at night, on narrow rural roads, involves driver inattention, and possibly drunk driving. “Bicyclist” - Avoid riding at night, on narrow roads and where highway speeds are over 35 mph. Always use reflectors/lights if you must ride at night.
Bicyclist Left Turn or Sudden Swerve ~ The bicyclist swerves to the left without checking traffic, without signaling and moves into the path of an overtaking motor vehicle. The motorist does not have enough time to avoid the collision. “Bicyclist” - Be Predictable. Always ride in a straight line. When preparing to change your lane position, look behind you and yield to overtaking traffic. When making a left turn, give the left-hand signal and then move left to the left lane. Give the hand signal again and make your turn when it is safe.
Stop Sign Rideout ~ This accident occurs when the bicyclist enters an intersection that is controlled by a sign and collides with a moto vehicle approaching from an uncontrolled lane. The cyclist fails to stop/slow and look for traffic before entering the intersection. This improper action leaves the motorist too little time to avoid a collision. “Bicyclist” - When driving your bike, obey all traffic signs and signals. At busy intersections, get off your bike and walk across the road as you do when you are a pedestrian.
BE SAFE! Wear your helmet!! Head injuries are the most serious injury type and are the most common cause of deaths among cyclists.
LEAF NOTHING TO CHANCE: PEDESTRIAN AND DRIVING SAFETY THIS FALL
Posted on September 22, 2025 by FCPD Public Affairs Bureau
Fairfax County, VA- The first day of fall brings cooler air, colorful leaves, and shorter days. As the sun sets earlier, our officers want to remind everyone that safety on the road is a shared responsibility. Whether you are walking, running, or driving, taking a few extra precautions can help prevent crashes and save lives.
Pedestrian Safety at Dusk
With earlier sunsets, more people are walking, jogging, and biking in low-light conditions. This means visibility is lower for everyone.
Safety tips for pedestrians and runners:
- Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially in the evening.
- Carry a flashlight or wear a headlamp.
- Always use crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions like phones or earbuds.
Safety tips for drivers:
- Slow down in neighborhoods and residential areas.
- Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Stay alert for joggers, children, and cyclists near the road.
Driving Safely in the Dark
During the fall, commuters are often driving in the dark both in the morning and evening, which takes time to adjust to. Reduced visibility increases the risk of crashes if drivers are not alert and prepared.
Safety tips for drivers:
- Turn on your headlights at dusk and keep them on until daylight is clear.
- Make sure headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are clean and working.
- Reduce your speed and give yourself extra space to stop.
- Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and deer activity at dawn and dusk.
Safety tips for everyone:
- Avoid distractions and stay focused on the road.
- Be patient and cautious at intersections.
Check out our recent reel featuring officers on night patrol and traffic safety.
A Shared Responsibility
Whether you are behind the wheel, on foot, or on a bike, safety is everyone’s job. Slowing down, paying attention, and taking small steps to be more visible can make a big difference this fall.
Interested in joining our team? Visit our website to learn more about joining FCPD.
Register your camera with Connect Fairfax County to help FCPD solve crimes, locate missing people, and support investigations.
For more ways to stay connected, please read our blog and follow us on X, Facebook, and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.
