CITYnews halifax : Police release impaired driving stats, 50 drivers charged

CITYnews halifax  / By Emma Amodio

Halifax Regional Police have released impaired driving statistics for the month of May, charging 50 drivers with impaired related offences.

This is an increase since last month from 43 drivers charged in April to 50 in May.

Of the impaired related offences, 32 of 50 drivers were charged with impaired operation of a conveyance by alcohol. Four drivers were charged with impaired operation of a conveyance of a drug and 14 were given driving suspensions for operation of a conveyance while having consumed alcohol.

Blood alcohol concentrations from breath samples of those charged ranged from 80 to 320 mg per cent, and 12 drivers were twice the legal limit.

The offence of refusal charge was handed to 12 other drivers who refused to provide a breath sample.

In Canada, the legal amount of blood alcohol content is 80 mg per cent per 100 millilitres of blood, but Nova Scotia issues suspensions anywhere between 50 and 80 mg per cent.

17 of 50 drivers charged were responses to calls from the public who suspected impaired driving. Halifax regional police say they encourage anyone to call 911 if they notice signs of impaired driving.

Signs of impaired driving to look out for

• Driving unreasonably fast, slow or at an 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

Impaired driving stats for the month of May (Halifax Regional Police)