In the News

No excuse for impaired driving
Halifax News Net
January 8, 2010

Police traditionally keep their eyes peeled for impaired drivers, but a new campaign will give police in Halifax Regional Municipality — and all of Nova Scotia — extra eyes to help spot drunks behind the wheel.

The provincial government, along with MADD Canada and the co-operation of Halifax Regional Police and Nova Scotia RCMP launched Campaign 911 last month urging motorists to report suspected drunk drivers.

Halifax Regional Police Supt. Robin McNeil said the department is proud to support MADD Canada’s campaign and is pleased the provincial government is erecting signs around Nova Scotia reminding drivers to call 911 if they suspect someone is behind the wheel drunk.

“In spite of our best efforts we charged 500 individuals with impaired driving last year and handed out 84, 24-hour suspensions,” McNeil said.

Campaign 911 provides police with “extra eyes” on the road, he said, “In fact, citizens have been calling to report impaired drivers and we hope this campaign keeps that trend going,” McNeil said.

The province is putting up 13 signs in strategic places around Nova Scotia to encourage people to call 911 if a driver’s behaviour on the road is suspicious.

Halifax Regional Police and Halifax RCMP began an active campaign in late November to educate motorists about the hazards of impaired driving. A series of unannounced checkpoints throughout HRM had two functions: alerting drivers to the dangers of impaired driving and catching people who get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The checkpoints, dubbed Operation Christmas, checked thousands of vehicles at different locations and times. Since Nov. 26, police charged 61 people with impaired driving and handed out three 24-hour suspensions as a result of Operation Christmas and other actions.

The officer in charge of the Integrated Traffic Unit, Halifax Regional Police Sgt. Mike Spearns, said he’s constantly surprised when he pulls over impaired drivers.

“When are people going to learn that if you are going to have a few drinks, don’t drive. It’s that simple,” Spearns said.

Operation Christmas will continue in January. Spearns said police will continue actively looking for impaired drivers.

“There is just no excuse for it,” he said.