Synonymous with Christmas season is Alberta Checkstop season.
As in years past, Cochrane RCMP wish to remind those in the area celebrating holiday cheer to be mindful of icy roads and to not drink and drive.
“This year, like in years past, the Cochrane RCMP, along with it’s partners, will be increasing their numbers of Checkstops and patrols during the holiday season,” said Corp. Greg Stannard with the local detachment.
“Impaired driving is always a concern, but the focus is increased during this time of year with the increase in people out celebrating the holidays.”
Stannard explained that Alberta Checkstops have a twofold purpose: to catch impaired drivers and punish them accordingly and to remind those on the roads to not make poor decisions as the night progresses.
“Statistically, it has been proven time and again that our ability to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and drugs is greatly diminished...case in point being the collision that occurred here last Thursday where alcohol was involved and took the life of a 17-year-old from our community (Brandon Thomas). The number of lives this single event has changed is almost immeasurable.”
Part and parcel with holiday celebrating comes proper planning. With a significant increase in traffic from holiday shoppers, as well as those out celebrating at Christmas dinners and parties, Stannard said people need to plan their evenings better and be prepared for a longer wait for taxi cabs and drive-home services; Operation Red Nose , a former drive-home service, will not be running this month in Cochrane.
“As a police officer, and as a parent and member of this community, I can’t stress enough how important it is to make other arrangements...there really is no excuse for driving drunk if you take a moment to plan.”
