TRURO, N.S.
If you’re ringing in the New Year with a few drinks, don’t get behind the wheel of a car.
Impaired driving takes lives every day, and New Year’s Eve can be an especially dangerous time on the roads. To keep people as safe as possible, RCMP and Truro Police will be conducting checks throughout the county.
“We’re still finding, in spite of all the publicity and education, people are still consuming alcohol and driving,” said Colchester District RCMP Staff Sergeant Al Carroll. “We will be out there aggressively looking for impaired drivers.”
He noted that drug use – recreational, prescription and over the counter – can also cause impairment and accidents.
“There are a lot of consequences for the future if someone drinks and drives,” he said. “If convicted, insurance costs increase substantially and a person may lose their job. There’s also the moral side, if someone is injured or killed.”
Truro Police will also be busy as the year changes.
“We will have checkpoints all evening around town,” said Deputy-Chief Jim Flemming. “People are encouraged to take a taxi or have a designated driver for the evening. One poor decision can lead to a lifetime of regret.”
CONSEQUENCES
Results of being convicted of impaired driving with a blood alcohol level over .08
– a criminal record
– loss of licence for a minimum of one year
– a minimum fine of $1,000
- must complete an addictions program
- may have to participate in the Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program
If a child under the age of 16 is in the car the driver could lose their licence for two years.
Stories about the human cost of impaired driving can be found on the MADD website at http://madd.ca
