Calgary police are happy to report a drop in the number of impaired driving charges they laid during the 2012 edition of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

Over Stampede’s 10 days, police laid 57 impaired driving related charges; that’s down from 129 in 2011.

Traffic Inspector Michael Watterston credits a number of factors for the decline.

First and foremost, the province’s tough new drunk driving law had come into effect.

He says increased public awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving, the creation of more taxi stands in the city and the theme of this year’s Stampede – which was more family-focused and less booze-fuelled, also played a part.

However police say more needs to be done, pointing to the fact 19 people have died in crashes on city streets this year, with alcohol a factor in seven of the fatal wrecks.

People who suspect somebody is drunk while behind the wheel are encouraged to dial 911.

The president of Mother’s Against Drunk Driving Canada tells The Calgary Herald she’s pleased with the drop.