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In August, citizens and officers joined forces to continue the fight against impaired driving - and would like to remind people that impairment can be caused by alcohol, drugs (including prescription medications), or a combination of both.
Throughout August, police charged 104 people – 76 men and 28 women, ranging in age from 18 to 81 – with impaired driving offences. Of these incidents, 57 were identified by officers during their patrols and at checkpoints, nine were identified after a collision had occurred and 38, or 37 per cent, were called-in by concerned citizens. Of these 104 incidents, 36 involved suspensions (seven, 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 80-290 mg%. Of the 104 cases, 25 involved drivers impaired by alcohol with readings that were more than twice the legal limit of 80 mg% and five had readings that were more than three times the legal limit. Fourteen drivers refused to provide samples of their breath and were also charged with refusal. One case 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. Police 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.