In July, citizens and HRM Partners in Policing joined forces to continue the fight against drinking and driving.

Throughout July, police charged 67 people – 59 men and 8 women, ranging in age from 18 to 74 – with impaired driving. Of these incidents, 33 were identified by police during their patrols, four were identified after a collision had occurred and 30 (45 per cent) were called-in by concerned citizens.

The blood alcohol readings ranged from 100 to 320 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood (mg%). Officers issued an additional 22 seven-day suspensions to people having a blood alcohol level between 50-80 mg%.

Of the 67 cases where people were charged, 50 per cent of the people were between the age of 18 and 29. In 28 per cent of the cases people were charged with refusal which, if found guilty, carries with it the same penalty as if a person has a blood alcohol concentration of more than the legal limit.

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.

Source: http://www.bedfordbeacon.com/hrm-impaired-driving-statistics-for-july