Transcript: Health and Safety Podcast

May 15, 2024

Hello, and welcome to the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast. Coming up, learn about our “Road Shark” campaign, Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, deer fawning season and ticks. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.

Wave two of the Fairfax County Police Department's “Road Shark” campaign yielded great results. This coordinated traffic campaign is aimed at deterring aggressive driving, reducing crashes, and changing driving behavior. Between April 22 and 28, the Fairfax County Police Department worked in conjunction with the Virginia State Police and raised the bar by issuing over 6,500 citations and warnings, with over 200 citations for reckless driving on our roadways. Road Shark is an initiative focused on enhancing visibility and implementing coordinated enforcement. The goal is to minimize traffic incidents and foster positive changes in driving behavior. Our dedicated officers and Virginia State Troopers play a pivotal role in the effectiveness of this campaign aimed at curbing the presence of aggressive drivers in Fairfax County. County police officers and our state police partners issued over 6,500 citations and warnings; that’s 1,500 more citations and warnings issued when compared to Wave One of 2023. Wave three of Road Shark will commence on June 17. Learn more on the police blog, fcpdnews.wordpress.com.

Get emergency preparedness information and emergency news online and by email. Sign up for email updates from the emergency information blog at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency/blog.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and our police department is emphasizing the importance of road safety for everyone. With rising temperatures, bikers are eager to hit the road, but before you live life in the fast lane, here are key safety tips for everyone on the road to remember.

For Motorcyclists:

• Gear Up for Safety: Before every ride, don’t forget your protective gear including a helmet, sturdy jacket, pants, gloves, and boots. Opt for bright, reflective clothing to enhance visibility on the road.
• Inspect Your Ride: Regularly check your motorcycle's tires, brakes, lights, signals, and fluid levels.
• Ride Defensively: Stay alert and anticipate hazards. Assume that other drivers may not see you and maintain a safe distance from vehicles. Always signal your intentions and be aware of blind spots.
• Stay Sober: Riding under the influence impairs judgment and reaction time. Ride sober and avoid substances that impair your ability to operate your motorcycle safely.
• Stay Focused: Minimize distractions while riding, such as using electronic devices or engaging in conversations. Stay focused on the road and your surroundings.

For Drivers

• Be mindful of Motorcycles: Stay vigilant and check your mirrors and blind spots frequently. Motorcycles may be harder to spot than larger vehicles.
• Share the Road: Give motorcycles plenty of space and avoid tailgating. Allow motorcyclists room to maneuver safely, especially during lane changes and turns.
• Use Turn Signals: Signal your intentions well in advance to give motorcyclists time to react. Be courteous and patient, especially in heavy traffic or congested areas.
• Check Twice, Save a Life: Before making any maneuvers, double-check for motorcycles. They may be filtering through traffic or approaching intersections.
• Respect Their Space: Avoid crowding motorcycles or cutting them off. Treat them with the same respect and consideration as you would any other vehicle on the road.
• Stay Sober: Riding under the influence impairs judgment and reaction time. Ride sober and avoid substances that impair your ability to operate your vehicle safely.
• Stay Focused: Minimize distractions while riding, such as using electronic devices or engaging in conversations. Stay focused on the road and your surroundings.

Remember, safety is a shared responsibility. Let's ride and share the road safely together.

Spring is here and calls to our Animal Protection Police and Wildlife Management Specialist about white-tailed deer fawns will shortly begin. Each spring, numerous fawns are frequently found causing residents to seek help from wildlife professionals to treat or raise these young animals. In most cases, fawns are healthy and need no human intervention. With the onset of fawning season, it is important to learn more about deer behavior, the signs that a fawn may truly be in trouble, and restrictions related to disease management and deer herd health that affect fawn rehabilitation within Fairfax County. Learn more on our police blog, fcpdnews.wordpress.com, and search "deer fawning season."

Ticks can transmit pathogens that can cause people to become sick. Lyme disease is still the best known and most common disease spread by ticks in Virginia, but there are others such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ehrlichiosis. While most ticks are active from the spring through the fall, some ticks are active on warm winter days.

Factors like weather, habitat and the availability of host animals can affect the tick population from year-to-year and make it hard to predict their numbers. Learn more with our “Guide to Tick Prevention,” fairfaxcounty.gov/news/your-field-guide-battle-ticks.

Finally, each month the Department of Emergency Management and Security produces the “Emergency Preparedness” newsletter as well as hosts a monthly emergency preparedness webinar. Learn more and sign up for free at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergencymanagement.

That’s it for this edition of the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast, produced by the Fairfax County, Va., Government. Thanks for listening. Additional information about health and safety topics and emergency preparedness may be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov. And remember, if you have a police, fire or medical emergency, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency needs, call 703-691-2131.