Police Launch Operation Christmas
The province is joining with police in reminding Nova Scotia drivers to plan ahead to get home safely this holiday season.
Law enforcement agencies across the province teamed up today, Nov. 24, to launch Operation Christmas, an annual campaign to reduce impaired driving. Motorists are also being encouraged to practice safe winter driving.
Checkpoints targeting impaired drivers were set up today in Amherst to signify the start of the provincewide initiative.
"We have zero tolerance for impaired drivers in Nova Scotia," said Justice Minister Ross Landry. "There are very serious and devastating consequences, including death and injury, from impaired driving. I ask all Nova Scotians to think before they drink and drive."
Mr. Landry is also asking people to practice safe winter driving practices.
"Thankfully drinking and driving is no longer considered socially acceptable behaviour," said Brian Skabar, MLA Cumberland North, on behalf of Bill Estabrooks, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "The province is working closely with law enforcement agencies to make it clear to motorists that driving drunk will not be tolerated."
Impaired driving is one of the leading causes of preventable death and serious injuries on Nova Scotia's roads. On average, 22 Nova Scotians die each year in alcohol-related collisions.
"Road safety is a priority for the RCMP and we look forward to working with our law enforcement partners to ramp up enforcement and crack down on impaired drivers over the holiday season," said Insp. Sput McCarthy, officer in charge of Nova Scotia Traffic Services. "We are committed to reducing the number of fatalities and injuries on our roads and will be vigorously enforcing impaired driving laws. We'll also be actively educating the motoring public on tragedies associated with impaired driving."
The Criminal Code makes it illegal to drive with a blood-alcohol level above .08. The average blood alcohol level of convicted alcohol-involved drivers in Nova Scotia is .16.
The financial cost for a person charged and convicted of impaired driving after trial is an estimated $32,000, including legal fees, fines, licence reinstatement, the province's alcohol interlock program and insurance.
"All year long, law enforcement is vigilant in the fight against impaired driving. During the holiday season, our department will dedicate additional enforcement efforts to the detection and apprehension of impaired drivers," said Deputy Chief Ian Naylor of the Amherst Police Department.
"We are asking drivers who will be drinking over this holiday season to plan ahead by making alternate driving arrangements in advance to ensure they arrive home safely."
Nova Scotia imposes administrative penalties, including a minimum seven-day licence suspension, for motorists who are driving with a blood-alcohol content of .05 to .08.
"Canadian Tire is committed to keeping Canadian motorists safe on the roads this holiday season," said Kevin Soehner, Canadian Tire associate dealer in Amherst. "We're focused on providing Canadians with the tools and information they need to prepare for winter driving. Taking a few simple steps to better prepare vehicles can help improve winter driving safety and help save lives."