Final summer tally: 234 alcohol-impaired, 12 drug-impaired, 28 test refusal charges

RCMP release:

As Nova Scotia’s provincial police, road safety is a top priority for the Nova Scotia RCMP. For the months of July, August, and September, 274 drivers in the province were charged with impaired-related offences.

  • 234 charged with Impaired Operation of a Conveyance by Alcohol
  • 12 charged with Impaired Operation of a Conveyance by Drug
  • 28 charged with Refusal of a Demand Made by a Peace Officer

In addition to investigations that resulted in charges, a further 130 people were issued administrative driving suspensions for Operating a Conveyance While Having Consumed Alcohol.

Failure or refusal to comply with a peace officer’s request to provide a sample for sobriety testing can result in criminal charges that have the same penalties as impaired driving. There are a range of fines and periods of driving prohibition for those convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Citizens are asked to call 911 immediately if they see a driver who’s driving erratically or unsafely. Here are some signs that an impaired driver might be behind the wheel:

  • Driving unreasonably fast, slow or at an inconsistent speed
  • Drifting in and out of lanes
  • Tailgating and changing lanes frequently
  • Making exceptionally wide turns
  • Changing lanes or passing without sufficient clearance
  • Overshooting or stopping well before stop signs or stop lights
  • Disregarding signals and lights
  • Approaching signals or leaving intersections too quickly or slowly
  • Driving without headlights, failing to lower high beams or leaving turn signals on

The 911 dispatcher will ask for:

  • Your location
  • A description of the vehicle, including the licence plate number, colour, make and model
  • The direction of travel for the vehicle
  • A description of the driver if visible

PSA – Traffic Delay – Gottingen Street