The Christmas season has arrived, and so has the season of Christmas parties and office get togethers.
    Unfortunately, this can also be a time when lives are torn apart by drinking and driving.  
    “The members of the Drumheller Detachment would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year. With that being said, we also want everybody to return to their homes safely,” said Staff Sergeant Art Hopkins.
 He said the police realize that at this time of year there are many parties and social gatherings taking place that involve the consumption of alcohol.  
    During the next few weeks, Drumheller Detachment will be implementing random checkstops in order to detect and deter persons from driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 
    As alcohol is not the only substance that causes impairment, Drumheller Detachment now has two members who are capable and qualified to determine impairment by other drugs.
     The consequences of driving under the influence are many. They can range from a driving prohibition to vehicle seizures.  That is not including what could happen if someone gets hurt as a result of your actions while under the influence. 
    The financial implications to you and your family are huge should you get caught driving or are involved in a collision where someone gets hurt.
     “Please don’t drink and drive.  If you are planning on drinking take the time to plan a ride home. The life you save may be your own.Remember your children are watching everything you do and modeling their behavior after you,” said Hopkins.
    According to a press release, impaired driving continues to be one of the leading preventable causes of death. Drivers who choose to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol not only put themselves at risk, but also threaten the safety of everyone else on the road.
    RCMP Traffic Services will be out in full force to ensure safe roads with a special focus on combating impaired driving. Check stops are conducted year round and especially during the holiday season in December. 
    In Alberta, an average of 1 in 5, or 20%, of drivers involved in fatal collisions had been drinking prior to the collision. On average, 8100 people are convicted of impaired driving each year in this province alone.
     The effects of alcohol vary greatly and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can vary due to rate of consumption, rate of absorption, and rate of elimination. 
    The type of drink does not determine impairment, rather the amount of alcohol ingested over a specific period of time. A bottle of beer, a glass of wine and a shot of hard liquor all contain approximately the same amount of alcohol. The bottom line is…if you have consumed any alcohol at all, then why take the risk? Be responsible and plan ahead.
    There are many safe alternatives to getting behind the wheel after a night out.

    The Alberta Recycling Management Authority presented the Town of Drumheller with its Collection Site Award of Excellence at the Recycling Council of Alberta Conference held in Edmonton in the first week of October.
    “We thought that was the end of it, but they called us up and wanted to present us with a plaque,” said Tammi Nygaard, Operations Manager for Drumheller and District Solid Waste Management.
    “There was a third piece that wasn’t ready that day, so we thought let’s make it special again,” said Betty Gray from the Alberta Recycling Management Authority.
    Gray made the trip to Drumheller on Friday, December 2, to present the plaque in front of the Drumheller and District Solid Waste Management Association’s board of directors.
    The Drumheller recycling facility has come a long way over the past few years. Gray highlighted the chaotic condition of the facility in 2004 and how it has evolved to become an award winning site.
    “It’s well organized, it’s safe, and they’re collecting electronics, paint, and tires” said Gray. “They’ve really stepped it up.”
    The award was created four years ago, as Gray describes, to, “recognize and raise the bar in terms of standards at collection sites.”
    The award was accepted by Nygaard, Tim Woods, Recycling Supervisor, and Annon Hovde, Chair of the Drumheller and District Solid Waster Management Association.
    “It’s a big deal,” said Woods. “We’ve worked hard to get here.”
    Residents are encouraged to continue recycling. A list of what can be recycled can be found at www.dinosaurvalley.com/recycling-your-community.
    “The more we can recycle is awesome,” said Woods.