Rudolph isn’t the only Christmas party go-er who leaves with a red-nose, and Drumheller RCMP will have their presence known this holiday season as the tendency to drive un-safely seems to be higher.
“There are more celebrations this time of year, which have tendencies to include consumption of alcohol,” says Hopkins, who said increased patrols will take place over the weekends.
“In a perfect world, people don’t drink and drive. Take some time and think about how you’ll get home before you leave so you aren’t put in that position.”
“Plan ahead before the alcohol becomes a problem.”
Hopkins says as a general rule, less than 10 per cent of impaired drivers ever get checked.
“The problem is that the ones where we get involved in are the ones where accidents take place, and then it’s too late.”
Winter came down hard on Drumheller this year, causing many unprepared drivers to slip and slide throughout the valley.
Clearing windshields before getting on the road is essential, says Hopkins, with tickets costing drivers close to $100.
“People’s driving should be consistent with conditions– we have snow and ice on the roads so people should be driving accordingly.”
Hopkins says to slow down, keep a safe distance between surrounding vehicles and to increase general awareness on the road.
“You have to compensate for other people’s behaviour.”
