We are far outside the normal high season for vacationers here in Myrtle Beach. Over the course of that season, though, we can get millions of visitors. When they do come, the courts tend to fill up fast with people accused of drunk driving. But here we are, not even out of January, and there are signals from some parts of the state that police are ready for DUI crackdowns right now.

Specifically, there's word out of Columbia that police will be out conducting what they call aggressive patrolling during the weekend. They say they plan checkpoints in a number of city neighborhoods, downtown, around Five Points and the Vista. The announcement follows a weekend in which officials claim two officers fell victim to drivers charged with driving under the influence.

In one incident, the South Carolina Highway Patrol reports that a man allegedly ran a red light and crashed into a patrol car. They say the man's car then went on to collide into a business. In the second case, officials say an alleged drunk driver ran into a police cruiser that was empty.

It's intriguing to note that Columbia police describe these situations as victimizations. No one was injured in the wrecks, but Columbia's police chief argues that any time a drunk driver is involved in an accident, those they hit are victims. And apparently he's had enough of his own people being victims.

The announcement of checkpoints comes as the state reports that 47 people have died on South Carolina roads as of Jan. 22. South Carolina Highway Patrol officials chalk up at least some of those fatalities to drunk driving. But they say people not wearing seat belts and speeding are also to blame.

As a result of the high toll so far the Highway Patrol has announced that it will be increasing patrols in Lexington County. Officials say their focus won't be just on drivers. They say they'll be watching for people who are walking who might be posing a danger to themselves and others.

One trooper says the message everyone needs to heed is just pay attention.

Source: The State, "47 have died on S.C. roads this month," Noelle Phillips, Jan. 24, 2012; WIS-TV, "Columbia police stepping up DUI patrols," Tim Pulliam, Jan. 23, 2012