“If you are going out for a drink then leave the car at home.”
Scotland is leading the way across the UK, bringing in a new lower drink drive limit to save lives on our roads. On the day the reduced limit comes into effect drivers are being urged to plan their journey ahead or to take the safest approach – DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE.
On 18 November the Scottish Parliament unanimously voted in favour of a new law to lower the limit from 80mg in every 100ml of blood to 50mg in every 100ml of blood.
Last week the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) published research showing that more than two-thirds (68 per cent) of people would like the Scottish drink-drive limit introduced across England and Wales.
An average of 20 people die on Scotland’s roads every year in accidents involving drivers over the legal limit.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “Scotland is leading the way across the UK. The new limit has backing from experts, road safety campaigners and the majority of the public north and south of the border.
“We are following the advice of the independent North Review, commissioned by the previous UK Government, which concluded that a lower limit would save lives. Every year around 20 people die on our roads due to people getting behind the wheel while over the legal limit.
“This change will bring Scotland into line with most of Europe. It’s not about criminalising drivers, it’s about making our roads safer and sending a clear message that even one alcoholic drink will affect the ability to drive. All the evidence from the Republic of Ireland shows reducing the limit means less convictions and lower blood alcohol counts.
“Today we are sending a clear message to drivers who continue to ignore the warnings that there is never an excuse to drink and drive.”
Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: “Our message is don’t risk it, don’t drink and drive. Far too many people die or are injured each year on Scotland’s roads as a result of drink driving and the irresponsible disregard shown by drink drivers for not only their own safety but that of other road users and pedestrians.
“Evidence from across Europe, where the lower limit already applies, suggests we will see reductions in drink driving and a corresponding increase in lives saved.
“Remember if you do drink and drive, it can have long term repercussions for you, your family and your community. It could cost you your job, your reputation or potentially your life not to mention the effect your actions have on innocent parties.’
“There is no safe amount of alcohol in the body if you drive. Even at the new limit, you are three times more likely to die in a crash than if you had taken no alcohol. It is clear when it comes to drinking and driving, that the simple ‘the best advice is none’ message is the right one.
“If you are going out for a drink then leave the car at home.”
Sir Peter North CBE QC said: “I am delighted to see Scotland leading the way in implementing the findings of my report. The power to set the drink drive level in Scotland was devolved to the Scottish Parliament under the Scotland Act 2012. Those who responded to the consultation on a proposed reduction from 80mg in every 100ml of blood to 50mg in every 100ml of blood supported the measure three to one.
“The Scottish Parliament has now implemented this move to a new limit. This means that, as from today, Scottish roads should be that much safer. Given this important further step to reduce deaths and injuries on Scottish roads, Scotland is now a great example to the rest of the United Kingdom.”
PIC: Edinburgh Police Division
Princes Street Gardens was transformed into a racetrack yesterday as Formula 1 stars visited the city to take part in a driving event to promote responsible drinking and raise awareness of the dangers of drink driving.
Former World Champion Mika Hakkinen was joined by 2014 McLaren Mercedes F1 drivers Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen to take part in the Join The Pact event, a global JOHNNIE WALKER initiative which encourages people to pledge to never drink and drive.
Councillor Steve Cardownie, Edinburgh’s Festivals and Events Champion, got behind the wheel. He said: “The sight and sound of three of the world’s top Formula 1 drivers circling a track in the middle of Princes Street Gardens has been spectacular and importantly, free for the public to enjoy.
“The Council is thrilled Diageo’s Join the Pact campaign has launched in Edinburgh. As the home of Hogmanay, we welcome thousands of people to celebrate in the city’s streets, and the safety of everyone who joins in is hugely important to us. We are glad to support the initiative to pledge never to drink and drive.
“People joining Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will benefit directly from the campaign too, because in return for pledges that have already been given, Johnnie Walker is providing free Lothian Bus journeys home.”
To find out more about the campaign and how to pledge never to drink drive, visit Join the Pact of follow Twitter hashtag #gethomesafely. Each pledge will provide free public transport miles for events in the UK.