Sobriety Checkpoint Comes To Loudoun County On Saturday

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — A sobriety checkpoint is coming to Loudoun County on Saturday, courtesy of the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Authorities said they hope the checkpoint discourages impaired driving during the holiday season.

In their news release announcing the checkpoint, the sheriff's office did not specify what time the sobriety checkpoint would begin or where in the county it would take place.

"Be responsible or risk a DUI," said Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman. "If you are going to celebrate this weekend with alcohol, designate a sober driver before your celebration begins."

The sheriff's office also outlined a series of steps that residents and motorists can take to keep roadways safe during the holiday season.

• Plan a designated driver or a safe way home ahead of time.
• If you are impaired, call a taxi or ride-hailing service, or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
• Immediately report any impaired drivers you see on our roadways to the LCSO.
• Wear your seatbelt!

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles stated that alcohol-related traffic fatalities have decreased by 37 per cent in the last 30 years. However, statistics show that one in six people will be involved in alcohol-related crash in their lifetime.

In 2019, 264 of Virginia's traffic fatalities were related to alcohol, according to the DMV. Alcohol-related crashes accounted for 32 per cent of traffic fatalities across the state.

Virginia's drunken driving laws are among the harshest in the nation, the DMV said. If a driver is convicted for a first DUI offense, the minimum punishment includes a $250 fine and a revocation of the driver's license for one year. A DUI conviction can also require the installation of an ignition interlock device. Even fighting a DUI conviction can prove to be costly. According to the Virginia DMV, a DUI can cost between $5,000 and $20,000.

Across the country, 28 people die in drunken driving crashes every day, according to the DMV.

Resources are available for people who are struggling with addiction. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration operates a 24/7 hotline that can help people find resources and get the help they need.

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