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More than 200 drivers charged with impaired-related offences over 3 months: N.S. RCMP

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The RCMP in Nova Scotia says more than 200 drivers were charged with impaired-related offences during a three-month period this year.

Statistics released for all RCMP detachments in Nova Scotia reveal that from April to June:

  • 188 people were charged with impaired operation of a conveyance by alcohol
  • 10 people were charged with impaired operation of a conveyance by drug
  • 24 people were charged with refusal of a demand made by a peace officer

The RCMP says an additional 148 people were issued administrative driving suspensions for operating a conveyance while having consumed alcohol.

“It’s a little bit alarming that the numbers seem so high for the summer season. You know, it’s expected that a lot of people will be travelling, events, that type of thing,” said Rob Matheson, the former president of MADD Cape Breton.

“What could potentially happen if you are in an impaired crash, we know it's preventable and it has devastating effects forever. It never changes.”

The force says there about 419 RCMP members in Nova Scotia with training related to drug-impaired driving, including 32 drug-recognition experts.

Nova Scotia RCMP says it also has 427 trained breath technicians who are qualified to operate instruments that determine a driver's blood alcohol concentration.

Since September 2023, RCMP in the Halifax-area have charged 650 people for driving under the influence and conducted more than 200 checkpoints.

“Our officers are out there throughout the year, and a few times a year we have those special operations really to focus on those impaired driving offences,” said Cpl. Guillaume Tremblay of the Nova Scotia RCMP.

If a driver fails or refuses to provide a breath sample, they can face criminal charges that have the same penalties as impaired driving.

Police say there are a range of fines and periods of driving prohibitions for those convicted of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Anyone who sees someone driving erratically or unsafe is asked to call 911 immediately. 

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.

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