NWT - If you're looking to drink and drive this Christmas season, the RCMP will be looking for you.

Const. Nathan Venne of the Hay River RCMP demonstrates the use of a breathalyzer machine. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Mounties at all detachments in the NWT, along with G Division's Traffic Services, will be setting up multiple check stops at different times of day and in various communities.

"Members are going to be proactive," said Cpl. Michael Carter of Traffic Services, which is headquartered in Hay River.

The increased number of check stops for the Christmas season began Dec. 15 and will continue into early January.

"The primary goal is to deter impaired driving and to make people think twice before they go out, through high-visibility check stops and vehicle stops based on violations," Carter said. Impaired driving is a zero-tolerance activity, the corporal added. "Alcohol and driving don't mix."

Carter said people are more vulnerable to drinking and driving during the holidays because there are more social activities.

So far this year across the NWT, the RCMP has laid 280 charges for impaired driving, impaired care and control of vehicles, and accidents involving alcohol.

"It's about the same as what we catch every year," Carter said.

There have been 105 such charges in Yellowknife so far this year, 43 in Hay River and 30 in Behchoko.

"Those are the top three places where drunk drivers are caught," Carter said. adding some people continue to make poor choices which lead to drinking and driving.

People should use common sense and think before they act to avoid drinking and driving over the Christmas season, he advised.

"There is no reason to risk your life or anyone else's life for a short ride somewhere."