Fatalities

2003 - 25
2004 - 22
2005 - 23
2006 - 30
2007 - 35

Drivers in serious injury alcohol-related crashes

2003 - 78
2004 - 81
2005 - 86
2006 - 83
2007 - 88

Motor Vehicle Act, R.S.N.S., 1989, c. 293, s. 279

In Nova Scotia, all offenders convicted of impaired driving (for both alcohol and drugs) are required to undergo an assessment for alcohol/drug dependency and participate in the Driving While Impaired (DWI) program. This program is overseen by Addiction Services of Nova Scotia and costs approximately $350. Participation in the program is required by provincial law and licence reinstatement is conditional on successful completion. The entire program can take up to a year to complete as it includes an individual assessment, group education sessions, and possibly individual counseling.

The assessment for alcohol dependency consists of an interview with Addiction Services staff where the extent of dependency is evaluated. If it is determined that the offender has a serious drug/alcohol problem, they will be referred for treatment or counselling. The assessment may be completed during the course of one to three clinical/treatment sessions which average about 60 minutes in length.

The education program can be up to two days in length and is delivered to a group of less than 20 offenders. Its focus is educational and aims to provide offenders with information about impaired driving and how to avoid recidivating. Topics covered include:

• impaired driving laws (both provincial and federal);
• the effect that alcohol has on the body and BAC;
• the impact that drugs have on driving ability;
• the impact that fatigue has on driving ability;
• attitudes about drinking and driving; and,
• the difference between impairment and intoxication.

First offenders that are assessed as having low or medium risk by Addiction Services may participate on a voluntary basis. Repeat offenders and first offenders assessed as having high risk must participate as a condition of licence reinstatement.

1st offence: 9 months
2nd or subsequent offence: 60 months

Nick Barr
Phone: (902) 424-4656
Email: barrna@gov.ns.ca