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In February, citizens and police joined forces to continue the fight against drinking and driving.
Throughout February, police charged 67 people – 50 men and 17 women, ranging in age from 16 to 66 – with impaired driving offences. Of these incidents, 27 were identified by police at traffic stops and checkpoints, 10 were identified after a collision had occurred and 30 (or 44%) were called-in by concerned citizens. These numbers also include 12 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 90-260 mg%. Of the 55 criminal cases, 17 drivers were impaired by alcohol with readings more than twice the legal limit of 80 mg% and four 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. 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.