As many Nova Scotians head out for the long Canada Day weekend, the province and RCMP are reminding drivers to make wise choices while driving and never get behind the wheel while impaired. Make a plan to get home safely.

“Canada Day weekend is a great time to gather with family and friends and celebrate everything that makes our country great,” said Geoff MacLellan, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. “Have fun but don’t risk the dire consequences caused by driving impaired. At minimum, it’s a stiff fine and driving suspension; at worst – someone’s life could be forever changed as a result of your decision. Always, always have a plan to get home safely.”

Police will be out in full force patrolling our highways and drivers can expect to see targeted checkpoints throughout the province.

“Impaired driving continues to be one of the leading causes of serious and fatal motor vehicle collisions on our roadways,” said Insp. Dan Murchison, officer in charge of the Nova Scotia RCMP Traffic Services Unit. “If you happen to witness instances of impaired or dangerous driving, call 9-1-1 and provide police with as many details about the driver and vehicle as possible, such as the make, model, licence plate number and direction of travel.”

The province works with road safety partners, including the RCMP, Nova Scotia Road Builders Association and Safety Services Nova Scotia, to raise awareness and education about road safety.

For more information on road safety, go to: http://novascotia.ca/tran/roadsafety/roadsafety.asp.

Source: Release