News release

Operation Christmas Begins

Justice

Police agencies from across Nova Scotia are reminding drivers to avoid the "mourning after" by staying sober and staying safe behind the wheel this season.

Eleven police agencies, along with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, will deliver the message directly to drivers on Friday, Dec. 1. A checkpoint will begin at 2 p.m. on Marshland Drive, Truro, behind the Truro Mall. It will be the first of many throughout the season. Ice scrapers, red ribbons and information will be provided through the checkpoint.

"Last year, drunk drivers killed 23 people and injured another 283," said Justice Minister Michael Baker. "I want to thank these police agencies for reminding us that we all have a responsibility to stay safe and stay sober behind the wheel.
Together, we can make this the safest season on record."

At the checkpoints, drivers will be reminded of the province's 24-hour licence-suspension program. Any driver with a blood alcohol level between .05 and .08, or over .08, can be removed from the road and suspended from driving for 24 hours. Licence suspension for second-time offenders is three years. A third offence gets a 10-year suspension. A fourth offence means the loss of a licence forever.

If you do spot someone drinking and driving, and wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers. Your tip could lead to a cash award, and more importantly, could save someone's life. Crime Stoppers can be reached at 1-800-222-8477. Of course, you can also call 911 or your local police to report a drunk driver.


Note to editors: The participating police agencies are: Truro Police Service, Cape Breton Regional Police, New Glasgow/Westville Police, Stellarton Police Service, Trenton Police Service, Springhill Police Service, Amherst Police Service, RCMP Bible Hill Highway Patrol, Kentville Police Service, Halifax Regional Police and Bridgewater Police Service.