Warren County Sheriff’s Office Joins Saturation Saturday Ahead of Labor Day Weekend

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office will increase impaired-driving enforcement on Saturday, Aug. 29, as part of a coordinated Saturation Saturday effort ahead of the Labor Day weekend.

The local operation is being conducted in partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving Virginia and is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

Deputies will focus on impaired-driving patrols throughout Warren County, with added attention to major travel routes, including Interstate 66, Route 340, Route 522, and Route 55.

The Sheriff’s Office said those roads are expected to carry heavier traffic as visitors travel through the area for the Labor Day weekend.

“As the gateway to Skyline Drive and the Shenandoah River, Warren County welcomes thousands of visitors over Labor Day weekend,” the agency said. “That means more vehicles on our roads, more families traveling, and zero tolerance for anyone who chooses to get behind the wheel impaired.”

Sheriff Crystal Cline said the goal is simple: prevent crashes before they happen.

“Impaired driving is a completely preventable crime, and every life lost to it is a tragedy that never had to happen,” Cline said. “Our deputies are committed to keeping our roads safe and holding impaired drivers accountable.”

She added a direct warning for anyone considering driving while impaired.

“If you choose to drive impaired in this county, expect to be stopped, expect to be arrested, and expect to answer for it.”

The Sheriff’s Office also plans to conduct a DUI checkpoint somewhere in Warren County on Aug. 29 as part of the enforcement effort.

Authorities are urging motorists to plan ahead if they expect to consume alcohol or use any substance that could impair driving ability, including certain prescription medications and marijuana.

Options include designating a sober driver, using a taxi or rideshare service, or arranging another safe way home.

“A ride costs a few dollars,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “A DUI can cost thousands, and a crash can cost a life.”

The campaign comes after a deadly 2025 Labor Day travel period in Virginia. According to the Sheriff’s Office, 11 people died in traffic crashes during that holiday period, with more than half of those fatalities involving drunk drivers.

Saturation Saturday brings together law enforcement agencies across Virginia and the nation in an effort to reduce impaired-driving crashes and fatalities during one of the busiest travel weekends of the summer.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking residents and visitors to make safe transportation plans before heading out.

“Drive Sober. Get Home Safe,” the agency said. “Help us protect Warren County’s roads this Labor Day weekend.”