Drivers in Scotland are being reminded that ‘the best approach is none’ as the Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland (part of Transport Scotland) launches its festive drink drive awareness campaign.
Last year – 12 months after the lower drink drive limit was introduced – one in 35 drivers stopped during the festive season were over the legal limit compared with one in 50 motorists drink driving over the same period in previous year.
With Christmas parties in full swing, drivers are being urged to remember the drink drive limit and not take risks over the festive season. The chances of being caught are higher than ever.
More than 20,000 drivers are stopped by police every month. This awareness campaign supports Police Scotland’s enforcement campaign, which will see even more patrols on Scotland’s roads from Friday 2 December.
The new campaign reinforces the message that ‘the best approach is none’, reminding motorists that even if you’re slightly over the limit, in the eyes of the law you are a drunk driver and a criminal.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson launched the month-long enforcement and awareness campaign in Glasgow with Assistant Chief Constable Bernie Higgins.
Mr Matheson, said: “We led the way in the UK by reducing the legal alcohol limit and are having an effect on changing attitudes in a way that keeps people safe. More people know that even one drink is too many before driving.
“Unfortunately there is a persistent minority of drivers who continue to ignore the law. These people are not only risking their own lives, but are risking the safety of other road users and pedestrians by drinking and driving.
“This campaign reinforces that drink driving is unacceptable and, if you get caught, you will get a minimum 12 month driving ban, a criminal record, points on your licence and a substantial fine. I welcome the action being taken by Police Scotland to tackle reckless road users who break the law.”
Assistant Chief Constable Bernie Higgins from Police Scotland said: “Between December last year and January 2016, 452 drivers failed a breath test. It’s really disappointing that so many people were prepared to cause danger to others as well as themselves.
“We are urging people to plan ahead during the party season. Think about how you’re going to get home – before you head out – and don’t forget about any journeys you’ll make the morning after.
“The consequences of drink driving can be devastating and we will be particularly vigilant during the festive period to discourage anyone thinking about drinking and driving, so the best advice if you are planning to drink this Christmas is don’t risk it, don’t drink and drive.”
For more information log onto dontriskit.info or check out the Road Safety Scotland Facebook and Twitter pages.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
