Additional officers from the Concord Police Department will be on patrol from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
“We want everyone to be as safe as possible, especially when they are on the road,” Lt. Gregory Rodriguez said.
Concord Police Department reminds 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. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
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 this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Oh well…. there goes the element of surprise.
It is a requirement of the grant.
It creates a win-win ( a little sarcasm intended) for the OTS grant program.
If no one gets arrest they can say, ” See the OTS press release made people think about their actions and they took measures to get home besides driving under the influence” – Win.
If they make arrest(s) they can say, “See the OTS grant program is making the pubic safer by taking DUIs off the street.” – Win.
How much it really impacts DUI driving is anyone’s guess but at least they are making an conscientious effort to lower DUIs.
The overarching goal of the OTS program is to lower DUIs (modify behavior) not make DUI arrests. A significant distinction which most people I do not think recognize.
Well Geez!
If they want to lower DUI all they need to do is schedule a few dozen Cops to work the late shift and park outside the busier nightclubs around midnight until last call and watch for the guys who stagger out then pull them over as soon as they drive.
They used to do that alot back in the 80’s.
I believe the what they want is voluntary cooperation which will always be more successful than enforcement but YMMV.
They’ll get the usual 0-2 offenders, then claim success!
Have our local politicians been notified so they can make alternate arrangements?
they work the overtime in july, get the paycheck in august; just in time to go out and by school clothes for the kiddies…