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

Throughout November, police charged 67 people – 53 men and 14 women, ranging in age from 20 to 76 – with impaired driving. Of these incidents, 40 were identified by police during their patrols, 8 were identified after a collision had occurred and 19 were called-in by concerned citizens.

In six cases the drivers had a blood alcohol that was at least three times the legal limit which is 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood (mg%). Two of the cases involved impairment by drugs. Officers also issued an additional 19 seven-day suspensions to people having a blood alcohol level between 50-80 mg%.

Two of the drivers charged were operating taxis with a paying fare inside the vehicle at the time of the arrest. Both incidents occurred between 2 and 6 p.m. and one of those drivers had a blood alcohol concentration over 3 times the legal limit. In addition to the criminal charges, both incidents have been reported to the Taxi and Limousine Licensing Office.

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-november