Drivers Urged to Report Impaired Drivers

More impaired drivers will be taken off the streets, making Nova Scotia roads safer through a campaign by the province and Mothers Against Drunk Driving that encourages and empowers citizens to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911.

Campaign 911, a nationwide initiative to help rid roads of impaired drivers, was launched today, Dec. 15 in Halifax. Impaired drivers kill about 22 Nova Scotians each year.

"We know that impaired driving is the number one cause of criminal death in Canada," said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Bill Estabrooks. "Calling 911 to report a suspected impaired driver will help reduce the number of tragedies on our roads."

Campaign 911 was first introduced by MADD Canada in 2007 and now has programs in nine provinces. Effective 911 programs increase arrest rates for impaired driving by as much as 50 per cent.

"MADD Canada is so pleased to partner with the government of Nova Scotia and the RCMP to bring this valuable program to our province," said MADD Canada president Margaret Miller. "Encouraging the public to call 911 and report suspected impaired drivers is a crucial way to help police keep our roads safe. Every call to police could save a life or prevent an injury."

Possible signs of an impaired driver include exceptionally wide turns, drifting in and out of lanes, tailgating, changing lanes frequently, and disregarding signals and lights. Drivers are advised to pull over safely, call 911 and provide a description of the vehicle.

"Road safety is everyone's responsibility," said RCMP Insp. Sput McCarthy. "It's up to all citizens to assist police agencies and call 911 if they believe they have observed an impaired driver. The RCMP's goal is to reduce harm and save lives."

"Unfortunately, in spite of all of our efforts, people continue to drink and drive," said Halifax Regional Police Chief Frank Beazley. "In fact, Halifax Regional Police charged 500 people with impaired driving so far this year and issued 86 24-hour suspensions.

"Halifax Regional Police is proud to support MADD Canada and the important work they do in the fight against drinking and driving."

The province will install 13 highway signs during the holiday season to remind drivers to call 911 to report the crime.

Impaired driving is one of the leading factors in fatal collisions in Nova Scotia. To date in 2009, there have been 18 fatalities in the province involving impaired drivers. Last month, the province passed some of the toughest legislation in the country to fight impaired driving. New legislation will increase the suspension time for people who register .05 on a roadside alcohol screening test.