Drink driving – still too many dicing with death

The drink drive message is still failing to register with too many motorists, according to Lothian and Borders Police. Senior police officers have spoken out spoke out following the conclusion of the ACPOS (Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland) Summer Drink and Drug Drive Campaign, saying it is clear the dangers of driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs continue to be ignored.

During the two-week campaign (June 4 -18) coordinated by ACPOS, police forces across Scotland carried out high profile and unmarked patrols to target those risking their lives and the lives of others on Scotland’s roads.

Over the last seven days, 118 people were reported for drink driving, an additional five were detected whilst unfit through drugs and 18 vehicles were seized for consideration of forfeiture by the court. This brought the two week campaign total to 229 motorists reported for drink driving, a slight reduction on last year’s campaign (238 in 2011).

In one incident on 11 June, officers attended at Hermiston Gait, Edinburgh where a woman was seen by members of the public slumped over the steering wheel of a car in the car park. She provided a roadside breath sample of over SIX times the legal limit and was arrested, She later refused to provide a sample at the station. She was cautioned and charged, held for court and forfeiture of her vehicle was requested. The accused had earlier purchased alcohol at the supermarket and had been drinking in the car for some time.

In another incident a lorry driver transporting a shipment of beer on the M9 near Stirling was stopped and provided a breath sample of more than three times the legal limit.

Young drivers (17 to 25 years old) continue to feature and this is a cause for concern. One 23 year old male who has only held his driving licence for two weeks was found driving whilst over the legal drink drive limit in Kirkcaldy.

A 25 year old female provisional licence holder who was reportedly travelling at speeds in excess of 100mph in Aberdeen failed to negotiate a roundabout crashing her vehicle.  She was taken to hospital where she later provided a positive breath test.  As well as drink driving she has also been charged with dangerous driving and driving licences offences.

Deputy Chief Constable Kate Thomson of Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary is the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (ACPOS) lead for drink driving and anti social use of the roads. She said: “Of course it is pleasing to note there has been a reduction in numbers of motorists found to be driving while under the influence of drink or drugs. But this is a very slight decrease year on year and I would caution against any form of complacency. It is of particular concern that so many young drivers think it is appropriate to drink and drive. Over the summer spell there are many events and occasions where people are tempted to enjoy an alcoholic refreshment. There is no problem with that as long as they do not then choose to get behind the wheel of their car.”

She continued: “Motorists have to take responsibility for their actions, the safety of their passengers and other road users. Although the campaign is over, police officers across Scotland will continue to be vigilant and you will be caught if you drink and drive. I would encourage the public who suspect anyone of driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs to contact the Police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”