HRM impaired driving statistics for September

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

Throughout September, police charged 66 people – 56 men and 10 women, ranging in age from 19 to 60 – with impaired driving. Of these incidents, 37 were identified by police during their patrols, eight were identified after a collision had occurred and 21 were called-in by concerned citizens.

In the cases where a breath sample was obtained, the blood alcohol readings ranged from 90 to 300 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood (mg%).

Officers also issued an additional 26 seven-day suspensions, and two 15-day suspensions to people having a blood alcohol level between 50-80 mg%.

One of the incidents was the fatal collision on September 30 where a vehicle travelling on Barrington Street crossed the centre line, striking a cab head-on and killing its passenger. The driver of the other vehicle faces 19 charges, eight of which are driving related including four charges involving impairment. This is a sad reminder that when a person drinks and drives, they put other people’s lives at risk, not just their own.

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-september