Cochrane RCMP and Cochrane Integrated Traffic Unit will be out in full force beginning December 2, to raise awareness that alcohol and drug use behind the wheel is unacceptable.

Sergeant David Hardy was hoping to see a reduction in impaired charges, but anticipates numbers will be close to last year.

"In 2014, we had 107 impaired driving charges in the Cochrane detachment area and in 2015, we had 117 so pretty close. So far this year to date, we have had a 102 processed through the system. I would like to see those numbers go down but for whatever reason they're not."

Sgt. Hardy says impaired driving continues to be the leading cause of criminal death in Canada, whether by alcohol or drugs.

"It imposes enormous cost to our social systems, the health care system is affected, insurance rates are affected, the legal system is affected, and most importantly families of loved one's lost to impaired drivers are terribly affected."

Hardy is not aware of an Operation Rednose happening in Cochrane but says there are a lot of options.

"We are looking for people to make the right choice for everyone. If you have been drinking or using drugs just don't drive. There are lots of options, plan ahead for alternative transportation there's many alternatives for driving."

If you are processed for impaired drinving you need to know the consequences.

"You are going to have a court date, your driver's license is immediately suspended, you are not going to be able to drive until your courtroom disposition is completed, you have an immediate three day license suspension and three day vehicle suspension, and also if you are GDL driver you will have a seven day vehicle seizure and a 30 day license suspension. There are lots of temporary suspensions right away imposed on you and obviously the long term effects of being charged for a criminal offense is pretty devastating to a person."

While there is no penalty to revealing where a traffic check stop is, Hardy says it is pretty foolish.

"Quite frankly I don't feel sorry for people getting picked up and losing their driver's licenses because they are the one's putting everyone at risk."

If you need an alternate ride home you can contact:

Taxi 4 U- 403-479-8294

LimeLite Taxi-430-369-6420

Cochrane Taxi-403-932-2555

About Town Taxi-587-575-9484