HRP release impaired driving statistics for August

In August, citizens and Halifax Regional Police joined forces to continue the fight against drinking and driving.

Throughout the month, police charged 49 people – 38 men and 11 women ranging in age from 16 to 63 – with impaired driving.

Of these incidents, 20 were initiated by police during traffic stops and check points, eight were identified after a collision had occurred and 21 were called in by concerned citizens.

Halifax Regional Police thanks those people who called 911 with information that helped us get dangerous drivers off our roads. Officers issued an additional seven 24-hour suspensions.

Throughout the month, the highest blood alcohol concentration recorded was in excess of three times the legal limit of 80mg%. Two of the 49 people were charged with being impaired by drugs and 11 others were charged with refusing to provide a breath sample.

One call of note involved two men being charged with impaired driving involving a boat. Police were notified of a vessel in Halifax Harbour whose operator was believed to be impaired. The officer, who was on a bicycle, followed the boat until it docked near Purdy’s Tower. A second man was observed at the controls and both men were arrested and face charges of impaired operation and refusing the breath demand.

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.

Halifax Regional Police continues 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.