Newfoundlanders flock to the phone to turn in drunk drivers
By Holly Hill
St. John’s Telegram
CanWest News Service
August 11, 2007

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. -- More drivers in Newfoundland have been taking breathalyzer tests this year as the number of drunk-driving charges has spiked.

During the first seven months of 2007 in the northeast Avalon district, there were 324 charges -- a 130-per-cent increase over last year's 141 charges.

"The number of calls we receive on impaired drivers from citizens has increased dramatically," said Sgt. Paul Murphy, in charge of traffic services and breathalyzer coordinator for the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.

"One time, we would get a lot of people call in anonymously and not leave their name, but now we are getting all the information, such as plate numbers and names.

"A lot of the calls with plate numbers, if we can't find them, then we know where they live. So, we can send two vehicles out, one to their house and one looking for them.

"So, all this does make a difference," Murphy said.

Const. Paul Davis said people occasionally call the police about friends who they don't think should drive.

"Many years ago, people never had the view on impaired driving using drugs and alcohol as they do today. We see cases now whereby people have had house parties or gatherings and they will call the police in front of their friend and report that they are going to drive after drinking.

"Lately, we've had a lot of high readings.

"Most normal readings that I see over the years have gone anywhere from 80, the fail limit, to 280 -- that is the norm."

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