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In June, citizens and police joined forces to continue the fight against drinking and driving.
Throughout June, police charged 95 people – 69 men and 26 women, ranging in age from 18 to 78 – with impaired driving offences. Of these incidents, 45 were identified by police during their patrols, nine were identified after a collision had occurred and 41, or 43%, were called-in by concerned citizens. Of these 95 incidents, 35 involve 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 80-260 mg%. Of the 95 cases, 18 involved drivers impaired by alcohol with readings that were more than twice the legal limit of 80 mg% and three had readings that were more than three times the legal limit. Eighteen drivers refused to provide samples of their breath and were also charged with refusal. One case involved drug impairment and one offender was charged with impaired operation of a boat.
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.