Deputies Deploy Against Drunk Drivers

Starting today, the Stafford County Sheriff's Office is taking extra steps to keep chemically impaired motorists off the road over the holiday season.

Between Thanksgiving and New Year's weekend, motorists can expect to see sobriety checkpoints more frequently on roads in Stafford County. It's all a part of the 3-D Program, short for drugged and drunk driving.

"The Stafford County Sheriff's Office is committed to helping ensure that citizens have a safe and happy holiday season," writes Sheriff Charles Jett in a press release announcing the initiative. "Drunk or drugged drivers not only impact their own well being, but are also a very real danger to innocent, law abiding citizens. We want to stop these drunk or drugged drivers before they harm themselves or others.

The sheriff's office reminds drivers to call 911 if they come across a suspected drunk or otherwise impaired motorist.

In 2010, there were 99 alcohol related car accidents and 520 people were charged with driving under the influence in Stafford County. Deputies arrested 75 of those drivers at 3-D checkpoints.