As Nova Scotia's Provincial Police, road safety is a top priority. In an effort to keep citizens informed about enforcement on our roadways, the Nova Scotia RCMP is releasing statistics for all RCMP detachments in Nova Scotia for 2020 on drivers charged for driving impaired by drugs or alcohol.
In 2020, Nova Scotia RCMP charged 1,625 drivers with impaired related offences.
- 821 charged with Impaired Operation of a Conveyance by Alcohol
- 72 charged with Impaired Operation of a Conveyance by Drug
- 142 charged with Refusal of a Demand Made by a Peace Officer
- 590 issued driving suspensions for Operating a Conveyance While Having Consumed Alcohol.
Impaired driving investigations can be complex, especially when they involve both alcohol and drugs. This is why Nova Scotia RCMP officers receive a variety of training, and have several tools at their disposal.
Each day, RCMP members are working throughout the province to help keep the roads safer for everyone. Recently, a member in the Halifax area was recognized by their supervisors for going above and beyond. Cst. Scott Aldridge from Halifax District RCMP Traffic Unit charged 139 drivers in 2020 for impaired driving related offences. His contribution to road safety does not go unnoticed.
In Nova Scotia, there are approximately 250 RCMP members with training related to drug-impaired driving, 33 of whom are Drug Recognition Experts (DREs). Nova Scotia RCMP also has 427 trained breath technicians who are qualified to operate instruments that determine a driver's blood alcohol concentration.
Failure or refusal to comply with a demand made by a peace officer for a sample for testing sobriety can result in criminal charges that have the same penalties as impaired driving. There are range of fines and periods of driving prohibition for those convicted of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Citizens are asked to call 911 immediately if you see a driver who is driving erratically or unsafely. Here are some signs of an impaired driver to watch 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
Once you call 911, you will be asked to provide the following:
- Your location
- A description of the vehicle, including the license plate number, colour, make and model
- The direction of travel for the vehicle
- A description of the driver if visible.