DUI patrols Saturday, Sunday

Avoid the 6 will have special DUI saturation patrols out Friday night and Saturday for the Lamb Derby, law enforcement officials said.

"Lamb Derby is supposed to be a time to celebrate the history of the Willows community by gathering with friends and family, but it can quickly end in tragedy due to impaired driving," said Willows Police Chief Bill Spears, in a statement. "Be responsible and take appropriate precautions."

Spears recommends that people plan a safe way home before their celebrations begin, designate a sober driver before any drinking begins or use public or alternate transportation.

If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don't hesitate to call 911, Spears said.

"Driving impaired or riding with someone who is impaired is an extremely risky and dangerous thing to do," said Christopher J. Murphy, director of the California Office of Traffic Safety, in a statement. "If you plan on using alcohol, plan ahead with a sober driver. And remember, friends don't let friends drive drunk."

Driving impaired has serious consequences and is simply not worth the risk, noted Spears.

"Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant," he added.

Avoid the 6 operations are funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.