The Los Angeles Police Department will begin a series of drunken driving checkpoints and saturation patrols Thursday in connection with Cinco de Mayo, which authorities say prompts an increase in drunken driving.

Sobriety checkpoints will be operated at: Friday, 7 p.m. to Saturday, 3 a.m.

Vermont Avenue and Sixth Street

Hollywood Boulevard and Gower Street Saturday, 7 p.m. to Sunday, 3 a.m. Cahuenga Boulevard and Broadlawn Drive in the Cahuenga Pass near Universal Studios Sunday, 7 p.m. to Monday, 3 a.m.

Imperial Highway and Main Street Saturation patrols are planned in Van Nuys from 6 p.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Friday and in South Los Angeles from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. The LAPD also suggests that party hosts, bars and restaurants this year encourage to plan and promote the designation of sober drivers in advance.

The LAPD is also advising Cinco de Mayo partygoers to:

-- Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;

-- Designate a sober driver; -- Leave your car keys at home;