FAIRFAX, Va. — Watch your speed on Fairfax County Parkway. Authorities are cracking down on speeders along the stretch of road as part of the "50 Means 50" campaign.
"Drivers can expect extra attention this week as we seek to educate drivers, enforce good driving behavior, and reduce crashes," the Fairfax County Police Department said in a tweet.
Police are pushing for Parkway safety in the wake of a Fairfax officer narrowly avoiding being hit head-on by a speeding teen driver.
"No traffic stop is routine," said Capt. Rachel Levy, the Sully District Police Station commander.
Captain Levy is the Commander of the officer seen in this video. "I'm extremely grateful that my officer was alive and okay," said Levy.
Dashcam footage of the close call shows a speeding driver spin out of control, and swerve into the opposite lane, nearly striking an officer who was out of his car talking to a driver he had pulled over.
Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis said it is a miracle the officer is alive, and only sustained minor injuries. The chief said the black 2018 BMW M3 that caused the crash was driven by a 17-year-old going over 120 miles per hour.
"It was a rocket and then it became a missile," said Chief Davis, referring to that car.
Captain Levy says the video made it clear, that drivers along Fairfax County Parkway needed a reminder of the speed limit. So, they launched the 50 Means 50 Campaign.
"50 means 50 we need people to slow down," said Captain Levy.
She says May 8th through May 12th you can expect to see extra officers along the parkway.
"We want to make sure everyone is safe on the parkway," said Levy.
Fairfax County Police say on the first two days of the campaign, they issued 342 summonses and 50 warnings to drivers.
She said if people do get pulled over, that they should put on their hazard lights and pull over to a safe location.
"If it's a busy roadway get off the roadway if possible. If that's not possible, pull over as far as you can," said Levy.
She also shared some advice for parents of young drivers.
"Share the video with them, tell them what can happen. This young driver is very luck to be alive as well, so just share with them what can happen when you speed," said Levy.