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Throughout December Halifax Regional Police will be participating in Operation Christmas, which is a focused effort on detecting impaired driving offences to make our community streets safer.
The annual province-wide campaign aims to reduce impaired driving and remind motorists to practice safe winter driving. Halifax Regional Police will be out on our streets and highways conducting checkpoints to address impaired driving by both alcohol and drugs this holiday season.
Since December 1 officers have conducted numerous checkpoints throughout the region and spoken with thousands of drivers to remind them of the dangers of impaired driving. So far, officers have charged five drivers with impaired driving offences, six drivers were issued driving suspensions for operating a conveyance while having consumed alcohol, one driver was charged with drug charges and 70 summary offence tickets were issued.
Driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs puts everyone in danger. In December 2009, MADD Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia launched Campaign 911, which encourages people to call police with information on suspected impaired drivers. Halifax Regional Police continue to be encouraged by the number of citizens helping to play a role in community safety.
Never drive impaired or ride with an impaired driver. Always remember:
- Plan ahead if you’re going to be drinking or consuming cannabis or other drugs.
- Call an Uber or a cab, arrange a designated driver, take public transit or stay the night.
- Call 911 if you see a driver you suspect is impaired.