January 15, 2025
Through checkpoints and targeted traffic enforcement, Cape Breton Regional Police Traffic Safety officers stopped over 2,000 vehicles throughout the CBRM in December – including more than 400 on New Year’s Eve – as part of Nova Scotia Operation Christmas and MADD Canada Red Ribbon campaigns to raise awareness about the important of sober driving.
The majority of CBRM drivers made responsible choices during the holiday celebrations, and no impaired drivers were identified at checkpoints; in response to calls for service, police caught and charged 5 drivers for Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle. Officers also issued 74 Summary Offence Tickets for other driving violations in December, including speeding (10) and operating vehicles without valid license (4), registration (17), inspection (35) or insurance (8).
Winter commuting can be a challenge, and police remind motorists to plan ahead for road safety this season:
- Maintain your vehicle: install winter tires, monitor tire pressure, inspect wiper blades, fill up antifreeze and windshield washer fluid, stock an emergency kit and keep your snow brush and ice scraper accessible.
- Drive for the weather: monitor conditions; clear snow and ice from your vehicle; adjust your speed; give yourself extra distance to stop; allow for extra travel time in unfavorable conditions; and if possible, avoid driving during the height of any storm weather and wait until plows have completed snow removal.
- Stay mindful of your surroundings and use extra caution at intersections where snowbanks can impact visibility.
- Cooperate with snow removal: avoid piling snow from driveways onto sidewalks or streets, which is prohibited by CBRM by-laws and the NS Highways Act, creates danger for drivers and pedestrians and can interfere with other snow clearing efforts.
- Park wisely: Winter Parking Regulations are in effect through to March 31st, which means no street parking between 1 & 6 AM - as well as during and within 2 hours of snowfall – so that plows can clear snow. Any vehicles obstructing snow removal efforts will be ticketed and towed.
- Sober driving is always in season: it’s never ok to drive drunk or high – behind the wheel of a vehicle, or on an ATV, motorcycle, snowmobile, boat or other forms of transportation. Arrange a designated driver, call a taxi or plan to stay overnight.
Cape Breton Regional Police thank the public for their assistance with road safety efforts; if you see any driving behaviors that pose a risk to public safety, please call 9-1-1 with as much information as possible, such as vehicle make and model, license plate and direction of travel.
