As Nova Scotia's provincial police, road safety is a top priority for the Nova Scotia RCMP. For the months of July, August, and September, 274 drivers in the province were charged with impaired-related offences.
- 234 charged with Impaired Operation of a Conveyance by Alcohol
- 12 charged with Impaired Operation of a Conveyance by Drug
- 28 charged with Refusal of a Demand Made by a Peace Officer
In addition to investigations that resulted in charges, a further 130 people were issued administrative driving suspensions for Operating a Conveyance While Having Consumed Alcohol.
Failure or refusal to comply with a peace officer's request to provide a sample for sobriety testing can result in criminal charges that have the same penalties as impaired driving. There are a range of fines and periods of driving prohibition for those convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Citizens are asked to call 911 immediately if they see a driver who's driving erratically or unsafely. Here are some signs that an impaired driver might be behind the wheel:
- 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
The 911 dispatcher will ask for:
- Your location
- A description of the vehicle, including the licence plate number, colour, make and model
- The direction of travel for the vehicle
- A description of the driver if visible
The Nova Scotia RCMP asks motorists to plan ahead and drive sober.