The RCMP says three people were arrested for driving impaired over the course of one day this week.
The first incident saw police pull over a driver in a Cadillac on Highway 103 in Timberlea over the noon hour on Wednesday, after officers observed the vehicle being driven erratically. A 39-year-old woman from Timberlea displayed signs of impairment according to police, but she refused a roadside breath test and was arrested for failing to comply.
On Wednesday night, an officer attempted to pull over a Volkswagen that allegedly ran a red light on Sackville Drive. The RCMP said the driver sped off when the officer turned on their emergency lights and siren.
The 24-year-old man was arrested a short time later after pulling into a parking lot in Lower Sackville. That driver also showed signs of impairment, police say, and refused a breath test, also facing a charge of failing to comply.
The third incident, early on Thursday morning, saw police respond to reports of an intoxicated person driving a Toyota Corolla on Beaver Bank Road. The 58-year-old driver was pulled over and was arrested after a roadside screening test.
“Impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of deaths on Nova Scotia roadways,” the RCMP wrote in a media release. “To report a suspected impaired driver, call 911.”
Many driving with twice the legal limit
While the total number of impaired driving charges decreased between August and September, the number of those driving at twice the legal limit remains high.
Halifax Regional Police (HRP) released impaired driving statistics for September, which show 34 drivers were charged with impaired-related offences. This is down from 42 charges in August.
The number of those driving with a blood alcohol content of twice the legal limit remained the same as last month, with 10 drivers facing this charge. Officers said they were able to detect a wide range of blood alcohol concentrations, from 80 to 210 mg per 100 ml. The legal limit is 80 mg.
Of the 34 drivers, 24 were charges with impaired operation of a conveyance by alcohol, one was charged with impaired operation of a conveyance by a drug and nine drivers were issued driving suspensions for alcohol.
Cracking down on impaired driving remains a key priority for HRP and across the province.
RCMP reported that last year, 1,398 drivers were charged with impaired-related offences across Nova Scotia.
With files from CityNews’ Rachel Morgan.
