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Fairfax County drivers will see more police patrols and traffic stops this week as authorities begin the first enforcement wave of the 2026 Road Shark campaign.

Officers will concentrate on areas with histories of serious crashes and traffic deaths, including Fairfax County Parkway near Route 29 and Monument Drive and portions of Route 28. Enforcement will also extend to roads throughout the county.

Acting Assistant Chief Dalton Becker said Monday that police use crash data to identify hot spots and position officers where they may help prevent additional collisions.

The campaign brings together the Fairfax County Police Department and Virginia State Police to reduce crashes and save lives. Launched in 1999, Road Shark will include four enforcement weeks this year.

During last year’s campaign, officers issued about 50,000 citations or warnings, up from roughly 35,000 in 2024.

Police will focus on behavior commonly linked to crashes, including speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence and unsafe lane changes.

Becker said the spring enforcement push is timed to coincide with warmer weather, when more people are traveling and some motorists may be more inclined to speed.