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In April, citizens and police joined forces to continue the fight against drinking and driving.
Throughout April, police charged 62 people – 50 men and 12 women, ranging in age from 18 to 65 – with impaired driving offences. Of these incidents, 30 were identified by police at traffic stops and checkpoints, 11 were identified after a collision had occurred and 21 were called-in by concerned citizens. These numbers also include 15 suspensions (7, 15 and 30 days) for having a blood alcohol level between 50-80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood (mg%).
Breath samples obtained from the drivers ranged from 100-260 mg%. Of the 47 criminal cases, nine drivers were impaired by alcohol with readings more than twice the legal limit of 80 mg% and three had readings that were three times the legal limit. Thirteen drivers refused to provide breath samples 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. Halifax Regional Police and Halifax district RCMP 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.