The San Francisco Police Department is ramping up its effort to snatch up drunk drivers with a DUI saturation patrol this upcoming weekend. The Traffic Unit targets Saturday, April 20, hitting the streets from evening till the early hours from 7:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M., in a proactive move to curb impaired driving and prevent potential road tragedies.

The SFPD is on the lookout for drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with a particular focus on the latter, as stats show that more drivers are high than drunk behind the wheel. Traffic police will try to extensively patrol the area, a strategy research suggests could slash alcohol-related crashes by as much as 20 percent.

Drivers who decide to ignore the law and drive impaired defiantly are in for a reality check - a DUI collar can attract jail time, fines, and a litany of fees, not to mention the sheer embarrassment of their actions being exposed to their inner circle, with costs potentially soaring over $10,000.

The event is bankrolled through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They continue to promote vigilance amongst the public, with a stern reminder to 'Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1'. The funding is central to supporting the local police department's efforts to safely communicate that driving impaired is unacceptable.

According to a statement by the SFPD, recent data reveals that an alarming 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had detectable amounts of drugs in their system. In an eye-opening comparison, a study of active drivers discovered more individuals tested positive for drug use (14 percent) than for alcohol (7.3 percent), with marijuana topping the chart at 7.4 percent, slightly above alcohol levels.