Transcript: Health and Safety Podcast

Nov. 26, 2025

Hello, and welcome to the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast. Coming up, learn about preventing vehicle theft and tips for motorists and pedestrians with earlier sunsets and colder weather. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.

 

As colder mornings return, now is a good time to take simple steps to prevent vehicle-related thefts. Whether you’re making a quick coffee stop, dropping your kids at daycare, or running inside for a moment, taking a few seconds to secure your vehicle can make all the difference. Our police department blog offers several tips:

• Don’t Warm Up Your Car While Unattended: Cold mornings often mean starting your vehicle early to warm it up. But an unlocked, running vehicle can be taken in seconds, and every year, we see cars being stolen this way. If the engine is running and the doors are unlocked, your vehicle is vulnerable. Please stay with your car while it warms up or use a remote start device that keeps the doors locked.
• Lock It Every Time. No Exceptions: Thieves often target communities because people feel comfortable leaving their cars unlocked. A locked door is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent theft. Whether you’re at home, at work, or just stepping away for a moment, lock your vehicle every single time.
• Remove Valuables or Keep Them Out of Sight: Most thefts from vehicles are crimes of opportunity. Items left in plain view can attract the wrong kind of attention. Please consider:
  • Removing wallets, phones, laptops, and purses
  • Storing bags, shopping items, or valuables in the trunk
  • Avoiding leaving garage door openers or spare keys inside the vehicle
  • Bringing packages inside promptly during holiday shopping season

• Never Leave Keys or Key Fobs Inside Your Vehicle: A significant number of vehicle thefts occur because keys or key fobs were left inside. Modern push-button vehicles can be driven away silently and quickly if a fob is left in the center console, cup holder, or door pocket.
• Be Alert in Parking Lots and During Quick Stops: Short trips are when many thefts happen. Even if it feels inconvenient, taking a few extra seconds to lock your doors, secure your belongings, and turn off the car can prevent a major loss and a stressful day.

If you see suspicious activity or someone checking door handles in your neighborhood, call our non-emergency line at 703-691-2131. If you witness a crime in progress, call 9-1-1 immediately.

 

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

 

With earlier sunsets and colder weather, visibility on our roads continues to decline. Last week, our community experienced two fatal pedestrian crashes on consecutive days; a tragic reminder of how quickly conditions can become dangerous. Pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists all play a role in preventing crashes. As mornings and evenings get darker, these practical safety steps can help reduce risk for everyone.

Tips for Pedestrians

• Increase your visibility: Wear reflective gear, carry a flashlight, or use a blinking light. Low-light conditions start earlier than many people realize.
• Use crosswalks when safe: Follow pedestrian signals and avoid crossing between parked cars or mid-block.
• Make eye contact with drivers: Confirm that the driver sees you before stepping off the curb.
• Limit distractions: Put phones and headphones away when crossing.
• If you’ve consumed alcohol: Use a taxi or rideshare service.

Tips for Drivers

• Actively scan for pedestrians: Children at bus stops, runners, walkers, and transit users are out year-round, even in colder weather.
• Slow down in low-light areas: Reduced visibility means reduced reaction time.
• Avoid distractions: Keep your focus on the road.
• Turn on headlights earlier: Make yourself more visible before it’s fully dark.
• Never drive under the influence: Alcohol and drugs significantly reduce reaction time and judgment. Choose a sober ride instead.

Tips for Bicyclists

• Use required lighting: A white front light and red rear light are essential in low-light conditions.
• Ride predictably: Follow traffic laws, signal turns, and stop at all signs and signals.
• Wear reflective or high-visibility clothing: Helps drivers see you sooner.
• Stay alert: Be prepared for vehicles, pedestrians, and sudden lane changes.

Shorter days and darker commutes are here to stay for the next several months. Taking a few simple precautions, whether you’re walking, driving, or biking, can significantly reduce the chance of a serious or fatal crash.

 

Finally, Fairfax County's free alert system sends you important information during an emergency, helps you navigate your commute and shares community information. You can also customize your Fairfax Alerts to receive the information pertinent to you. Don't miss this important information!  Sign up today for Fairfax Alerts at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/alerts.

 

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 on our emergency information blog at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency/blog. Follow the Health and Safety podcast on soundcloud.com/fairfaxcounty and our podcasts webpage, fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts. And remember, if you have a police, fire, or medical emergency, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency needs, call 703-691-2131.