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Five people—four pedestrians and a motorcyclist—were killed in separate Fairfax County crashes during a 48-hour period, an unusually concentrated string of roadway deaths that police linked to speeding or reckless driving.

“In my 30 years, I don’t remember this many within this short time span,” Deputy Chief Dalton Becker said Friday.

The first death followed a multivehicle collision Wednesday in Lorton that killed a motorcyclist. Over the next 48 hours, four pedestrians died in separate crashes across the county.

The deadly incidents occurred along Richmond Highway, Little River Turnpike, Gallows Road and Leesburg Pike.

Another crash Friday morning injured a Fairfax County police officer in Franconia. The officer was assisting after a driver struck a pole on the shoulder when another driver crashed into the back of the officer’s marked cruiser, which was stopped in a travel lane with its emergency lights flashing.

The officer was treated and released with back spasms and scratches. The driver who struck the cruiser was cited for reckless driving and driving without a license.

“There’s five, at least five families today that are grieving, and they’re not as lucky as our patrol officer earlier today,” Becker said.

Speeding or reckless driving appeared to have contributed to all the crashes, according to Becker. Alcohol was involved in some, and the pedestrians were outside designated crossings when they were hit.

Officers distributed safety pamphlets and reflective armbands to pedestrians Friday. Becker also urged motorists to slow down, avoid distractions and use taxis or ride-hailing services instead of driving after drinking.

“It’s not worth it. There’s no excuse. Don’t do it,” he said.