DUI Saturation Patrol Planned Saturday In Concord

CONCORD, CA — The Concord Police Department will be out in force Saturday night, Nov. 18, looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence.

Police plan to conduct a DUI saturation patrol from 7 p.m. Saturday until 2 a.m. Sunday the weekend before Thanksgiving Week.

"Impaired driving is preventable," Lt. Gregory Rodriguez said. "It’s a choice. If you’ve been drinking or taken drugs that impair, make the right choice by finding a sober driver or alternate transportation to take you places."

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

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

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license, police said.

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

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story had the checkpoint on Friday; it has been corrected to Saturday.