With the season to be jolly underway, it's important to remember the RCMP checkpoints that will be out along the way.         

As the holidays take over for December, it's once again time for the local RCMP units to be stepping up their surveillance of laneways, roadways, and highways.

Constable Gary Christopher, a general duty member of the Swift Current Municipal RCMP, will be helping out at some of these checkpoints, working to prevent impaired drivers from causing any harm.

"Obviously with the increase in Christmas parties, you're going to see an increase in patrols around the city," said Christopher. "Being pulled over doesn't need to be at a checkpoint. We can pull people over if they're driving erratically or there are signs of impairment."

Signs of impairment can include not having lights on, a turn signal left on for an extended period of time, and failing to stop at an intersection or other stops.

Folks who do come across a checkpoint will need to stop.

"You can't just blow through it, for officer safety," said Christopher. "That's another indicator that you're impaired, and you will be chased down."

Typically, the points will involve officers asking a few questions, possibly requesting folks to do a breathalyzer test if there is a scent of alcohol in the vehicle. General due diligence will be taken with everyone who comes through, for both alcohol and other possible inhibitors.

For anyone caught operating a motor vehicle under the influence of any substance, it will mean forfeiting their driver's license for up to a year, possibly thousands of dollars in fines, and vehicle impoundment.

"To get your vehicle back, you may have to do some classroom instruction through SGI programming," Christopher said. "It's just not worth your time [to drive inebriated]."

This year, local RCMP may end up partnering up with Saskatchewan Highway Patrol and neighbouring detachments to help better control the roadways. If you notice an increased amount of patrols, you aren't imagining it.

Be sure to take steps to avoid becoming a blip on their radar by calling a cab, arranging for someone to pick you up if needed, or stay over night at a friends place instead of heading back out. It's all in the interest of being safe this holiday season.