Police Plan DUI Patrol In Concord

CONCORD, CA — The Concord Police Department will have extra officers out on patrol from 8 p.m. Saturday until 2 a.m. Sunday looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

In a similar enforcement patrol held Thursday night in Concord, police made two suspected DUI arrests.

“We want everyone to be as safe as possible, especially when they are on the road,” Concord police Lt. Mark Robison said in a news release.

The Concord Police Department reminded the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol; some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may also interfere with driving.

"Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving," police said. "While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal."

Concord police said those who plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact their ability to drive safely should plan on staying at home.

"Driving sober is your safest bet," police said. "Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI will pay a stiff price: an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license."

Funding for Saturday's DUI patrol was provided by a grant from the California Office of
Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.