Concord Police Conducting DUI Patrols The Weekend Before Halloween

CONCORD, CA — Additional officers from the Concord Police Department will be out on patrol the Saturday before Halloween, looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Extra DUI patrols are scheduled to be in place from 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, until 2 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, the Concord Police Department said in a news release.

"We want everyone to be as safe as possible, especially when they are on the road," Concord police Lt. Gregory Rodriguez said.

The Concord Police Department reminded the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol; some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving, police said.

Further, while medicinal and recreational marijuana is legal, driving under the influence of marijuana remains illegal.

"If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home," Concord police said. "Driving sober is your safest bet."

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI will pay a stiff price: an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties and a suspended license, according to police.

Funding for the DUI patrols is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.