By Cst. Katie Forgeron

Christmas parties will soon be upon us and Cranbrook RCMP is urging residents to use care and common sense when driving this holiday season.

Each year RCMP in Cranbrook and around the province conduct extensive check stops to ensure people are enjoying the holiday season responsibly. Last holiday season the Cranbrook RCMP, along with the East Kootenay Traffic Services, took over 20 drivers off the road as a result of impaired driving investigations between the end of November and the end of January.

Here are some tips from police to plan a safe trip home:

• Organize a designated driver program with family and friends.
• Discuss a plan with your family that, should you need a ride; they will provide it-no questions asked. Remember to return the favour.
• Plan ahead to take public transit or a taxi.
• Stay overnight.
• Stay sober yourself, and provide safe transportation for your friends.

Cranbrook RCMP hopes everyone has a safe and happy holiday season.

Lead image: A file shot of a checkstop at Kimberley. Sgt. Chris Newel Photo

Cranbrook RCMP

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