Impaired driving statistics for December

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In December, citizens and police joined forces to continue the fight against drinking and driving.

Throughout December, police charged 79 people – 59 men and 20 women, ranging in age from 17 to 72 – with impaired driving offences. Of these incidents, 40 were identified by police at traffic stops and checkpoints, 14 were identified after a collision had occurred and 25, (or 32%), were called-in by concerned citizens. These numbers also include 28 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 80-320 mg%. Of the 51 criminal cases, 14 drivers were impaired by alcohol with readings more than twice the legal limit of 80 mg%, one had readings that were three times the legal limit and one had readings that were four times the legal limit. Eleven drivers refused to provide breath samples and were also charged with refusal. Four cases involved drug impairment. Of note, two of the drivers charged had young children in the vehicle at the time of their arrest.

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.