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In October and November, citizens and police joined forces to continue the fight against impaired driving.
Throughout October, police charged 58 people – 44 men and 14 women, ranging in age from 18 to 65 – with impaired driving offences. Of these incidents, 23 were identified by police at traffic stops and checkpoints, nine were identified after a collision had occurred and 26 were called-in by concerned citizens. Of these impaired drivers, 11 were given seven-day suspensions 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, 22 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. Nine drivers refused to provide breath samples and were also charged with refusal.
Throughout November, police charged 78 people – 58 men and 20 women, ranging in age from 20 to 71 – with impaired driving offences. Of these incidents, 38 were identified by police at traffic stops and checkpoints, 15 were identified after a collision had occurred and 25 were called-in by concerned citizens. Of these impaired drivers, 10 were given suspensions (seven and 15 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 90-300 mg%. Of the 68 criminal cases, 18 drivers were impaired by alcohol with readings more than twice the legal limit of 80 mg% and two had readings that were three times the legal limit. Sixteen drivers refused to provide breath samples and were also charged with refusal.
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.