The province has increased the penalties for people caught driving with a blood-alcohol level between .05 and .08. As of December 1st, the penalty was increased from a 24 hour suspension to a three day suspension. And, if there is person under 16 years of age in the vehicle, the suspension goes to seven days.

RCMP spokesperson Bert Paquet says it does not take a lot of alcohol to get to .05.

".05 will vary from one person to another and that depends on a lot of different contributing factors including your weight, your body mass, whether you're fatigued or not, your pattern of drinking, whether you're taking cold medication or any kind of medication. In doubt, just don't drive. One drink could send someone over the .05."

Paquet strongly advises motorists to stay away from the guessing game of whether they are over the limit.

"It is about changing behaviours. It is about changing the way we think about this. If you're playing the mind game, wondering if you've had enough or too much, don't take a chance, you've likely had too much. You don't want to put yourself at risk, you don't want to put others on the road at risk. We recognize the fact that the majority of Manitoba drivers abide by the rules. The laws are in place for the small percentage of people that don't and our officers will be out there to catch them."

Paquet says there are so many safe options available to people these days like operation red nose, taxi's, designated driver programs and sleepovers so there is simply no need to drink and drive.