DUI Patrol Planned In Concord

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

The DUI saturation patrol is scheduled to take place from 8 p.m. Saturday, July 23, until 2 a.m. Sunday, July 24.

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

Concord police 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.

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

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

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.

Saturday's DUI saturation patrol was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.