**** RCMP Media Release
Increased checkpoints on National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day
The Nova Scotia RCMP will be conducting additional checkpoints and enforcement across the province on December 7 for National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day.
Motorists can expect to see increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints throughout the province as officers continue efforts to help keep our roads safe this holiday season.
Every month, RCMP members charge between 100 and 200 drivers across Nova Scotia for impaired driving by drugs or alcohol.
“At this time of year, we’re gathering with friends and family for holiday get-togethers. And unfortunately, some people still choose to drive impaired,” says Cst. Greg Bowie, South West Traffic Services. “We ask that if you’re heading out to enjoy the season, plan ahead — and if you see a suspected impaired driver, call 911.”
Below are tips to prevent impaired driving in any situation:
- Plan ahead and choose a designated driver
- Split a cab/uber or ride on public transit
- Don’t drink on an empty stomach and pace yourself – know your limits
- If you’re hosting a party, ask guests if they have a safe ride home and ensure there are plenty of non-alcoholic drink and food options available
We all have a responsibility to drive safely. Always drive sober and call 911 if you believe someone is driving impaired or is otherwise an immediate threat to public safety.
Once you call 911, you will be asked for:
- Your location
- A description of the vehicle, including the license plate number, colour, make and model
- The direction of travel for the vehicle
- A description of the driver if visible
Road safety is a shared responsibility. The Nova Scotia RCMP looks forward to seeing you driving sober and safely on Nova Scotia Roadways this holiday season.
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West Hants RCMP traffic stop leads to charges for impaired operation and property offences
West Hants RCMP has charged one man with impaired operation of a motor vehicle and seized drug paraphernalia from a vehicle after a traffic stop.
On November 22 at approximately 4:40 p.m., West Hants RCMP received a report of a suspected impaired driver on Hwy. 14. Officers located the vehicle, which was pulled over and running, near Gypsum Mines. The officer noted signs of impairment from the driver, who was the only person in the vehicle, and observed drug paraphernalia on the front passenger seat.
The driver, who was identified as 27-year-old Colton Wile of Vaughan, was arrested and transported to the West Hants RCMP Detachment, where a drug evaluation was completed by a qualified Drug Recognition Expert. Wile is charged with a total of five offences: Operation while Impaired by Drug and four counts of Failure to Comply with Probation Order.
Since Wile’s arrest on November 22, investigators have also collected the evidence needed to charge him on another file, related to property crime at an elementary school in Hants County. He has been charged with Break and Enter and Theft, and Failure to Comply with Probation Order related to a theft of furnace oil which occurred on November 12.
Wile had a first court appearance at Windsor Provincial Court on November 23 and was remanded in custody pending future court dates.
Both of these incidents are still under investigation. Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact West Hants RCMP at 902-798-2207. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.
