Posted:
(10:15 a.m.)
In April, citizens and HRM Partners in Policing joined forces to continue the fight against drinking and driving.
Throughout April, police charged 53 people – 36 men and 17 women, ranging in age from 19 to 65 – with impaired driving by alcohol. Of these incidents, 27 were identified by police during their patrols, 13 were identified after a collision had occurred and 13, or 24%, were called-in by concerned citizens. Officers also issued 11 suspensions (7 days) for having a blood alcohol level between 50-80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood (mg%).
The breath samples obtained from the drivers ranged from 90-330 mg%. Of the 53 cases, 15 involved drivers impaired by alcohol with readings that were more than twice the legal limit of 80 mg%, four had readings that were more than three times the legal limit and one had readings that were more than four times the legal limit. Four drivers refused to provide samples of their breath and were also charged with refusal. Two cases involved drug impairment.
Driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs puts everyone in danger. In December 2009, MADD Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia launched Campaign 911 which encourages people to call police with information on suspected impaired drivers. HRM Partners in Policing continue to be encouraged by the number of citizens helping to play a role in community safety. If you have information on a drunk driver, please call 911.