Halifax Regional Police (HRP) are participating in “Operation Christmas” during the month of December – a campaign to spread a “zero tolerance” message and get impaired drivers off the road.
During the month, HRP’s traffic unit and patrol members are conducting checkpoints across the city to look for impaired drivers. They will release a full report of their findings at the end of the month.
"The stats are concerning, anytime you see a serious collision as a result of impaired driving,” said Corporal Guillaume Tremblay of the RCMP. “One is too many in my opinion. There is no reason to drink or consume drugs while driving, you can always call someone to pick you up or call a taxi.”
Steve Sullivan is the CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. He said the common reasons people give for impaired driving in surveys aren’t worth the risk.
“I didn't feel that impaired, I didn't have that far to go and I didn't think I would see a police officer,” Sullivan said. “None of them ever think about getting into a crash or hurting themselves or someone else."
Sullivan said there are safe alternatives to driving while impaired, including public transportation, ride sharing, taxi’s, designated drivers and spending the night. He also reminded drivers that drugs or alcohol could be left in your system leaving you intoxicated in the morning.
Both RCMP and Halifax regional police remind Maritimers that if you see a potential impaired driver, call 911 and report the incident.
