Reston-area drivers and motorcyclists will face stepped-up traffic enforcement starting Monday, Aug. 10, when the Fairfax County Police Department launches Wave 3 of its Road Shark campaign across the county.

The enforcement push comes one week after the department published a motorcycle safety advisory on Monday, Aug. 3, urging both riders and drivers to share the road responsibly.

Five motorcyclists have been killed in Fairfax County crashes since April.

"There's been a lot of motorcycle accidents lately," Master Police Officer Earl Culbertson told NBC4 Washington during a July 21 ride-along patrol. "Motorcycle is a lot harder vehicle to see compared to a vehicle."

Five motorcyclist deaths since April

The fatalities span the county: the Capital Beltway on April 15, Route 29 in Fair Lakes on May 19, Richmond Highway in Lorton on June 17, Braddock Road near Kings Park Drive on June 29, and Ox Road in Fairfax Station on July 23, according to FFXnow. In the Braddock Road crash, 26-year-old Paul Economon Jr. of Clifton struck a car making a left turn; FCPD detectives determined speed was a factor.

Overall, Fairfax County recorded 26 traffic fatalities as of late July, more than double the 11 at the same point in 2025, NBC4 reported.

What FCPD is telling residents

The Aug. 3 advisory lists specific guidance for both groups. Motorcyclists should wear helmets and reflective gear, check tires and brakes before every ride, signal lane changes, avoid blind spots and stay sober. Drivers should double-check mirrors before turning or merging, leave extra following distance, use turn signals and treat motorcycles as equals on the road.

The department said its officers continue to encounter dangerous and reckless riding behaviors that put everyone at risk, and described proactive enforcement as one tool to prevent serious crashes.

Road Shark by the numbers

During Wave 2 from June 8–14, officers issued 11,791 citations and warnings countywide in partnership with the Virginia State Police, up from more than 8,250 during the same wave in 2025. Wave 3 targets speeding, reckless driving and distracted driving.

Residents who want to assist FCPD investigations can register home or business cameras at connectfairfaxcounty.org. The FCPD non-emergency line is 703-691-2131.