It was a successful New Year's checkstop for the Okotoks RCMP and Municipal Enforcement and not because they we busy handing out drinking and driving violations but rather the lack there of them.

Okotoks RCMP Sgt. Sukh Randhawa says drivers planned ahead ringing in the New Year.

"Altogether about 100-150 vehicles were checked and we only had one 72 hour suspension so overall it was a very successful New Year's Eve," he says.

For the past few years around the holidays Randhawa says he has seen a decline in the number of impaired drivers in area.

"It is a positive trend and I strongly believe that the community not only in Okotoks but the surrounding areas is also getting the message across that the RCMP will be out and about."

Randhawa also adds that the number youth getting behind the wheel intoxicated is at a minimum.

"The youth is getting more educated on the consequences they can have by drinking and driving," he says. "Drinking and driving is a preventable offence, they are also getting educated on that impact it can have on their  lives if they get charged with impaired driving, not just with alcohol but with drugs as well."