This weekend, thousands of Alberta families will be making their annual Christmas pilgrimage to the houses of friends and relatives, meaning the province's highways will be extremely busy.

The Airdrie RCMP are hoping that Christmas 2017 is a safe and happy time for all and are encouraging you to drive safe, and stay safe, over the holidays.

"Safe driving is definitely a priority.  We've experienced a lot of snow in the last couple of days and that's made for some less than ideal driving conditions.  There's snowpack on the road, visbility has been poor in some areas and roads have been slippery in others.  We just want people to slow down, take their time and we want to make sure everyone arrives at their destination safely."

The Airdrie RCMP and other Alberta detachments will be working with Alberta Sheriffs to make sure that everyone is obeying the rules of the road this weekend.  One of those rules is to not take in a holiday party, imbibe, then get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

"We want to put the word out that police will be on the streets, there will be some Checkstops over the next couple of weekends.  We just ask if anybody's out enjoying themselves to think safety.  Leave your keys behind, get a designated driver, request a taxi, use Uber, Keys Please, any other type of safe transportation would be appreciated by us and the public."

Martin hopes everyone has a safe and joyous holiday.  "We just ask everybody to be safe out there, take their time and, first and foremost, have a great holiday season."

Questions, comments or story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com