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In December, citizens and HRM Partners in Policing joined forces to continue the fight against drinking and driving.
Throughout December, police charged 60 people – 52 men and 8 women, ranging in age from 17 to 65 – with impaired driving by alcohol. Of these incidents, 30 were identified by police during their patrols, 14 were identified after a collision had occurred and 16, or 26%, were called-in by concerned citizens. Officers also issued 42 suspensions (7, 15 and 30 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 90-240 mg%. Of the 60 cases, 17 involved drivers impaired by alcohol with readings that were more than twice the legal limit of 80 mg% and two had readings that were three times the legal limit. Eleven drivers refused to provide samples of their breath and were also charged with refusal. A blood warrant was also obtained in one case. Six cases involved drug impairment. In 2012, HRM Partners in Policing have charged 677 motorists with impaired driving.
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.