It is that time of year again for annual Christmas parties and family gatherings. Many people will decide to have a few drinks over the Christmas season and many will decide to drive home under the influence of alcohol. If you decide to drink, please make the right decision and find alternative ways of getting home.

Alcohol affects everyone differently depending on your mood, what you're doing and your physical condition. As you consume more alcohol, your perceptions change as well as your coordination and emotions. Simple tasks such as changing a CD or even talking require extra concentration to perform.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) refers to the weight of alcohol in milligrams in 100 millilitres of blood. In Canada, it is a Criminal Code offence to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC that exceeds 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. In Saskatchewan a motorist's licence can be suspended for a period of 24 hours if their BAC exceeds 40 milligrams even if you are on private property.

Even if a police officer believes, based on their observations, that a person's ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired by alcohol but does not exceed the 80-milligram limit, a person can be charged with impaired driving according to the Criminal Code of Canada. Punishments for impaired driving can include loss of licence and fines.

Unfortunately there are many drivers this Christmas season who will decide to drive home after a few drinks. Some may make it home safely and others may not. Even those who are responsible may fall victim to drunk drivers over the holiday season.

If you decide to drink, find an alternative way home. Designated drivers, public transportation or even walking are excellent alternatives to driving while intoxicated. Don't be offended if someone tells you that you are too intoxicated to drive; take their word for it and find an alternative way home.

Even if you think you're OK to drive, be safe rather than sorry and ask a sober friend to drive you home. Those people who serve alcoholic beverages in public and private places are legally responsible for the people they have served. If someone has had too much to drink, limit their drinks and ensure they have alternative transportation home.

Please be responsible this Christmas season. If you have any questions please call the Weyburn or Radville RCMP.