DUI patrols planned Saturday

Cinco De Mayo is coming Saturday and celebrants are being asked not to drink and drive.

The Glenn County Avoid the 6 DUI Task Force will deploy DUI saturation patrols starting at 6 p.m. Saturday.

California Highway Patrol officers also will have saturation patrols onto freeways in unincorporated areas of the county, officials said, to stop, test and arrest impaired drivers who fail to use a designated driver.

Law enforcement members say Cinco De Mayo is a special opportunity to gather with co-workers and friends for chips, salsa and margaritas, to celebrate California's cultural diversity.

However, it is also a night when dangerous and often deadly accidents occur because another impaired driver hit the road drunk, they added.

Local venues are planning special reduced rates for drinks creating the probability for even higher numbers of intoxicated drivers for a Saturday night, according to law enforcement agencies, which report the highest number of deaths and injuries occur late Saturday night and early Sunday morning, which is why they will be out in force as a deterrent.

"There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel after drinking," Orland interim police Chief J.C. Tolle said, in a statement. "Everyone, including hosts, local bars and restaurants must be sure to promote designated sober drivers in advance, before the festivities begin."

Partiers are advised to plan a head with these tips:

Arrange rides home for your friends, family, co-workers and yourself before drinking begins; identify and provide free, non-alcoholic drinks and other promotional items to the Designated Driver.

Also, party hosts and servers must limit drinks to your guests or patrons. Don't serve more than one or two over several hours.

Cut back on the amount of drinks you plan to bring to the party and provide plenty of food.

If you see a dangerous driver, Report Drunk Drivers - Call 9-1-1.

Avoid the 6 Task Force funding is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

It includes Orland Police Department as the local coordinator, Willows Police Department, Glenn County Sheriff's Office, the California Highway Patrol and other agencies.