Province Targets Impaired Drivers

The province is introducing new enforcement and training programs and purchasing state-of-the-art equipment in the fight against impaired driving.

In December, the province will launch a one-year integrated impaired driving enforcement pilot project in southwest Nova Scotia. It will involve the establishment of a dedicated, joint RCMP–municipal police mobile unit that will target impaired drivers and other offenders.

Murray Scott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, said the pilot program complements other government initiatives to provide safer streets and communities for all Nova Scotians.

"What so many people commonly call road accidents are often preventable events, especially those caused by impaired driving," said Mr. Scott. "The enforcement and training initiatives and new equipment will target those who continue to get behind the wheel while impaired."

In addition to the integrated impaired driving enforcement pilot project, the province will also:

• develop an impaired driving countermeasures course;
• provide resources to train an additional 48 Datamaster technicians to operate breathalyser equipment throughout the province;
• purchase 20 additional screening devices to help front-line officers detect and process impaired drivers and 10 in-vehicle video cameras, which allow officers to capture and retain relevant evidence when interacting with impaired drivers.

"Impaired driving is the leading cause of criminal death in Canada," said Insp. Matt Lowther, officer in charge of traffic services with the RCMP in Nova Scotia. "Police in Nova Scotia are working together in various operations to stop impaired drivers and make our roads safer year round."

Mr. Scott said these measures are in addition to other provincial efforts to stop impaired driving, including the spring 2008 launch of the alcohol ignition interlock program; changes to the graduated licensing program which require that drivers with less than five years' experience have a zero blood alcohol content; and awareness campaigns aimed at educating young drivers about the consequences of driving while impaired.