With this being Cochrane's official 'Welcome to Christmas' launch, Cochrane RCMP wants to remind motorists to be safe and start planning ahead.

Cochrane RCMP and Cochrane Integrated Traffic Unit will be out in full force very soon to keep those motorists who have overindulged off our roadways. Constable Warman says they will be focusing on every day of the week throughout the holiday season with a heavier presence on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday's. "We do have quite a few members out there so we are beefing up on the member side of it."

Anticipating to see the same stats as the previous two years, Cst. Warman can only hope people get the message. "Be responsible, be aware have much you have drunk and what your limits are. Get a cab or a designated driver and have a safe holiday."

The price you pay for a night of fun is just not worth it. "If you are found with a suspension which is a 72-hour suspension now, you get the loss of your vehicle for 3 days and you are accruing the tow bill on that impound and the tow fee for those three days and the loss of your licence. If you're caught again or caught driving within those three days then there is a snowball effect and you get charged with driving while disqualified. Running into an impaired you get a vehicle seizure, licence suspension immediately until a trial and your case is done which can take anywhere from 6 (months) to two years; if found guilty you are looking at a minimum one-year driving suspension and a thousand dollar fine. It is a lot of money and let's not forget the criminal record that goes with it."

Cst. Warman adds the price you pay for an alternate ride home is worth it. "If you need that cab, get that cab. A cab ride is worth it if you look at the fines you will be facing or the loss of your licence."