One Stafford man learned what being a designated driver meant as he claimed to be one during his DUI investigation.

On August 19th at approximately 3:22 a.m. Deputy D.S. Jett was traveling Northbound on Warrenton Road when he observed a vehicle drift between lanes without signaling. The vehicle continued to fail in signaling as it turned onto Olde Forge Drive and began veering into the middle of the road. After seeing the less than ideal driving behaviors, Deputy Jett conducted a traffic stop.

When Deputy Jett made contact with the driver, he was struck by an overwhelming smell of McDonald’s. Despite that, not even a Big Mac and fries could hide the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the driver’s breath. The driver informed Deputy Jett he was the “designated driver”, in spite of the fact he consumed alcohol. After hearing the oxymoron, field sobriety tests were conducted. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence, two counts of refusal, and not signaling while turning. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $2,000 secured bond.

For one to be a so-called designated driver, they should not be intoxicated by definition. If no driver is sober, there are rideshare options available by phone. Drive sober or get pulled over.