Drunk Driving Patrols to Intensify in Concord

CONCORD, MA — Concord police said they will step up patrols targeting drunk drivers through New Year’s.

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Concord is one of 202 Massachusetts police agencies working with the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. Their extra patrols are funded by a grant.

Last year in Massachusetts, 133 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety.

A typical drunk-driving arrest results in about $10,000 in expenses related to bail, court fees, and other costs, officials said.

“The cost of cab fare is nothing compared to a $10,000 OUI, the inconvenience of spending the holidays behind bars, or the cost of someone’s life,” police said in a statement.

Said Concord Police Chief Joseph O’Connor: “We know that too often people are seriously injured or killed as a result of drunk driving. People have choices when traveling; we encourage people to utilize taxis, car ride services, public transportation or designate a sober driver.”