Next DUI Checkpoint Announced By Concord Police Department

CONCORD, CA — The Concord Police Department announced it will hold a DUI checkpoint Friday.

The checkpoint is from 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, to 3 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, on Monument Boulevard and Erickson Road, according to a news release.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose is not to make arrests but to promote public safety by deterring people from driving impaired, police said in the news release.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers may be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The Concord Police Department remains committed to keeping the traveling public safe.

“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Concord police Lt. Renee Williams said. “We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is
dangerous and puts others on the road at risk.”

According to Concord police, 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 or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car, police said. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Police encouraged anyone who plans to drink or take medications that may impact their ability to drive safely to instead plan on staying home. Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for the checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.