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In February, citizens and HRM Partners in Policing joined forces to continue the fight against drinking and driving.
Throughout February, police charged 49 people – 37 men and 12 women, ranging in age from 18 to 61 – with impaired driving by alcohol. Of these incidents, 23 were identified by police during their patrols, 9 were identified after a collision had occurred and 17, or 35%, were called-in by concerned citizens. Officers also issued an additional 14 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 90-320 mg%. Of the 49 cases, 16 involved drivers impaired by alcohol with readings that were more than twice the legal limit of 80 mg% and one had readings that were more than three times the legal limit. Five drivers refused to provide samples of their breath and were also charged with refusal. Four of these 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.