With Christmas right around the corner, the Manitoba RCMP is urging motorists to plan ahead and avoid driving while impaired this holiday season.

Mounties state in the first eleven months of this year, 73 people lost their lives in 63 vehicle collisions on Manitoba roadways under RCMP jurisdiction. A press release adds alcohol is suspected to be a factor in 21 of the collisions.

Aside from fatalities and injuries, Thompson RCMP Constable Sandy Deibert explains the repercussions of driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs include a criminal code investigation where the the driver's licence would be suspended, their vehicle impounded, and they would have to pay a large fine.

Deibert urges people to have rides lined up before they go to parties and celebrations, avoid alcohol and drugs if you're a designated driver, and make sure others don't leave a party impaired without a ride.