Halifax District RCMP and Halifax Regional Police – Partners in Policing – charged 51 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 a Drug. In addition nine people were issued driving suspensions for operating a motor vehicle while having consumed alcohol.

Of the 51 impaired drivers apprehended, 44 were male, seven were female, and the ages ranged from 18 to 66.

Eleven of these drivers were identified by police at motor vehicle collisions and 25 impaired drivers at traffic stops. 911 calls received from the public concerned for road safety resulted contributed to the apprehension of 31 impaired drivers.
 
Officers were able to detect and charge persons at a wide range of blood alcohol content from 90 – 320 mg %. Sixteen of the charged persons were more than two times the legal limit of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood and three drivers were more than three times the legal limit of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. One person was charged with being more than four times the legal limit of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. Fourteen 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 drive please call 911.

Source: Media Release