Police Issue 2,000 HEAT Citations in First Month

Since the Fairfax County Police Department began its Summer HEAT (Help Eliminate Aggressive Traffic) campaign, officers have issued more than 2,000 summonses for unsafe or aggressive driving behaviors.

The program's purpose is to help target aggressive driving on roads in the county. HEAT started on June 15. 

Violations include failure to pay full time and attention, texting while operating a vehicle, having a television visible to a driver and wearing earphones while driving. 

According to the Fairfax County Police:

• 284 citations were issued for improper passing, lane changes, u-turns or turns at intersections.
• 370 drivers were ticketed for driving on a revoked or suspended drivers license.
• 71 citations were issued to pedestrians for pedestrian-related violations.
• More than 550 citations were issued for child restraint or seat belt violations.
• Hundreds of other motorists were ticketed for driving through and over safety zones, following too closely and signaling violations. 

The campaign will continue through August, ending on Labor Day. Police are urging motorists to slow down and drive courteously, and to be patient with other drivers through the summer heat. 

“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 press release. “We’re hoping this safety effort will help encourage everyone to slow down, pay attention, and cool off a bit.”