Area police officers contacted 480 vehicles at two checkpoints Saturday night in Frederick, in an effort to cut down on impaired driving.

It was part of "Operation SOLO," which stands for Saving Our Loved Ones. Under this statewide initiative, area police use mass patrols on roads which have a higher incidence of alcohol-related crashes.

The checkpoints were set up at North Market Street north of 7th Street, and North East Street between 9th Street and Delaware Avenue. Authorities say drivers were given educational materials discussing the dangers of drinking and driving.

The DUI checkpoints are expected to continue throughout the month of December.

"Project SOLO is about taking impaired drivers off the road, saving lives and raising the importance of safe driving," says Frederick Police Lt. Dennis Dudley, Commander of Professional Services. "Every law enforcement official involved in this initiative is thoroughly trained and briefed to effectively target impaired driving."

In addition to the Frederick Police, the Sheriff's Office and Brunswick Police also participated, providing deputies and officers.