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

Throughout May, police charged 51people – 43 men and 8 women, ranging in age from 19 to 53 – with impaired driving. Of these incidents, 26 were identified by police during their patrols, nine were identified after a collision had occurred and 16 were called-in by concerned citizens.

Officers issued an additional 12 seven-day suspensions and one 30-day suspension to people having a blood alcohol level between 50-80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood (mg%).

Of the 51 cases, 48 involved drivers impaired by alcohol while three involved drug impairment. One of the drivers charged for drug impairment was operating a vehicle with an Ignition Interlock Device which had been installed for a previous conviction for impaired driving.

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-may