Halifax District RCMP and Halifax Regional Police – Partners in Policing – charged 69 drivers with Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle during the month of January. One of these drivers was charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drug.

Of these Impaired Drivers, 21 were issued driving suspensions for operating a motor vehicle while having consumed alcohol.

Of these 69 drivers apprehended, 59 were male, 10 were female, and the ages ranged from 18 to 72.

Fourteen of these drivers were identified by police at motor vehicle collisions and 26 impaired drivers at traffic stops. 911 calls received from the public resulted in 29 impaired driving charges.

Officers were able to detect and charge persons at a wide range of BAC`s from 90 – 320 mg%. Fifteen of the charged persons were more than two times the legal limit of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, one driver was more than three times the legal limit of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood and one driver was more than four times the legal limit of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. Ten of the charged persons refused to provide samples and were charged with the offence of refusal.

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. 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: Release