RCMP monthly provincial impaired statistics for September

The Nova Scotia RCMP charged 131 drivers with impaired driving related offences during the month of September.

The charges saw:

• 69 people charged with Impaired Operation of a Conveyance by Alcohol

• 5 people charged with Impaired Operation of a Conveyance by Drug

• 14 people charged with Refusal of a Demand Made by a Peace Officer

• 43 people issued driving suspensions for Operating a Conveyance While Having Consumed Alcohol The RCMP says that impaired driving is a problem the public can help to solve. People are asked to pull over and call 911 immediately if they witness signs of impaired driving on roads, trails, or waterways.

Signs to watch for include:

• Unreasonable or inconsistent speed

• Drifting in and out of lanes

• Tailgating and changing lanes frequently

• Making exceptionally wide turns

• Changing lanes or passing without sufficient clearance

• Overshooting or stopping well before stop signs or stop lights

• Disregarding signals and lights

• Approaching signals or leaving intersections too quickly or slowly

• Driving without headlights, failing to lower high beams or leaving turn signals on

• Driving with windows open in cold or inclement weather

A 911 operator will ask for the following information: your location, a description of the vehicle (license plate number, colour, make and model), the direction of travel for the vehicle and a description of the driver if visible.

RCMP officers employ specialized training and tools to respond to impaired driving incidents and are supported by Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) and trained breath technicians.

Failure or refusal to comply with a peace officer’s demand for a sample to test sobriety can result in criminal charges that have the same penalties as impaired driving.

There are a range of fines and driving prohibition periods for those convicted of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, with increased measures if there is a child under 16 in the vehicle.