On December 7, RCMP officers across Nova Scotia increased enforcement efforts in support of National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day.

Officers spoke with 3,886 drivers at 87 checkpoints conducted throughout the province, with the vast majority of motorists enjoying the holiday season in a safe and responsible manner.

"During our checkpoints, we heard over and over again that folks appreciate the efforts of police in combating impaired driving," says Sgt. John White of Southeast Traffic Services. "Everyone wants to feel safe on our roads, and focused events like National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day help achieve that goal through awareness and increased attention."

The efforts of RCMP officers on National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day resulted in 13 impaired drivers being removed from the road:

• Seven people were charged with impaired driving by alcohol
• One driver was charged with impaired driving by drugs
• Four drivers were issued driving suspensions for being over the provincial alcohol limit of 50mg%
• One person received a provincial suspension for impairment by drugs

At approximately 7:30 p.m. on December 7, Southwest Traffic Services (SWTS) in Yarmouth and Northeast Traffic Services (NETS) in Cape Breton were simultaneously conducting checkpoints at opposite ends of the province.

At their checkpoint in Arcadia, SWTS officers noted signs of impairment in a 53-year-old woman from Arcadia driving a Volkswagen Jetta. She failed a roadside alcohol test, and later provided breath samples of 100mg% and 90mg%.

In Big Pond, NETS officers noted signs of impairment in a 26-year-old woman from Sydney Mines driving a Hyundai Santa Fe. She also failed a roadside alcohol test, and later provided breath samples of 150mg% and 140mg%.

Both of these drivers have been charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle and released from custody to attend court at a future date.

"Impaired driving is 100% preventable. Everyone on the road has the responsibility to drive sober" Says Cst. Greg Bowie with Southwest Traffic Services. "If you suspect someone is driving while impaired, please call 911 immediately, it could save someone's life."