By Mike Davey

Halifax, Nova Scotia -- July 25, 2012 -- The auto recycler supported Campaign 911 will extend its reach from the road to the water in the Halifax Regional Municipality this summer. MADD Canada's Atlantic Chapter is introducing with a number of signs encouraging boaters to report drunk "driving." The new offshore signs are in addition to the road signs already seen throughout the area in support of Campaign 911, a MADD Canada initiative encouring people to call 911 if they see a driver they suspect is impaired.

Nova Scotia Minister of Transportation Maurice Smith, Halifax Deputy Mayor Bill Karsten and police representatives joined representatives of MADD Canada and the Automotive Recyclers Association of Atlantic Canada for a special event to announce the boating campaign and promote the Campaign 911 program to residents across Atlantic Canada.

“Alcohol is a factor in 40 per cent of boating deaths,” said Susan MacAskill, president of MADD’s Atlantic chapter, during the event at Halifax Regional Police headquarters.

A survey conducted by MADD shows 37 per cent of boaters admitted to consuming alcohol before taking to the water.

Halifax Regional Police say roughly a third of the impaired driving charges issued each month in Halifax come from tips received from citizens.