Government and law enforcement agencies are coming together to launch Operation Christmas.

The annual campaign, aimed at reducing impaired driving and encouraging motorists to practice safe winter driving, was launched today, Dec. 7, in Cole Harbour.

“The holiday season should be spent celebrating with family and friends,” said Don Spicer, acting director of policing services, on behalf of acting Justice Minister Michel Samson. “Impaired driving accidents are tragic but they can be prevented. We all have a responsibility to ensure that a person does not get behind the wheel when under the influence.”

One of the leading causes of preventable death and serious injuries on Nova Scotia roads is impaired driving.

Halifax Regional Police Service is partnering with Halifax District RCMP to host the campaign. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada will also participate in Operation Christmas.

Checkpoints targeting impaired drivers will be set up across Cole Harbour to highlight the start of the campaign. More checkpoints will be in place across the province throughout the holiday season.

“We appreciate the opportunity to participate with law enforcement, first responders and other highway safety partners as part of Operation Christmas,” said Susan MacAskill, MADD Atlantic regional manager. “We are asking motorists to exercise responsible choices and drive safe and sober. We don’t want there to be an empty place at the dinner table this holiday season.”

The Criminal Code makes it illegal to drive with a blood-alcohol level above .08. Nova Scotia imposes administrative penalties, including a minimum seven-day license suspension, for motorists who are driving with a blood-alcohol content of .05 to .08.

Source: Release