As people get ready to celebrate the long weekend, police are reminding the public to plan ahead and make smart decisions to avoid impaired driving.
"Sometimes weather deters walking, so those people just need to make sure to find a ride, find a driver, use the taxi cabs, whatever options you can. Just please don’t drive," said McMillen.
When it comes to driving, if a driver fails a roadside screening test, their licence will be suspended indefinitely and their vehicle seized. They will also face criminal consequences.
"It can get quite costly, with impound fees, and if people need their licence for work, which a lot do around this area, it’s just not good when it’s an easy decision, easy planning," McMillen said.
If you are out and about on the long weekend and see someone driving erratically, McMillen encourages calling the closest police department.
"We call them RID calls. We get them all the time and we go looking for them and try to find those vehicles and hold them accountable."
He added that often the drivers turn out to be sober, which is a positive outcome.
"We're not hoping to find impaired drivers, but we certainly check it out, so please call if you notice anything suspicious."
Another thing to keep in mind is public intoxication. McMillen said licensed establishments should be mindful not to over-serve patrons, but he also said people should be looking out for one another.
"If you’re going out with friends, make sure your buddy, your friend gets home safe and look after them," said McMillen. "If somebody sees somebody walking and stumbling around and they don’t feel they can care for themselves, call the police and we can certainly come and look into it."
Generally, if police do become involved, they are able to find a sober person to care for the intoxicated individual.
"The last scenario that we have to do is hold them until they’re sober," he said. "It isn’t always the case, but is sometimes necessary. It’s better than them succumbing to the elements outside."