Make it none for the road
Drivers in Scotland are being reminded that there is zero tolerance for ‘just one’ drink before driving.
A new festive awareness campaign from the Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland (part of Transport Scotland) reinforces that when it comes to drink-driving, the best approach is none, as well as highlighting the consequences of being found guilty of the offence.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson launched the month-long enforcement and awareness campaign in Edinburgh with Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone and Chief Superintendent Stewart Carle.
Police Scotland’s enforcement campaign has seen more patrols on the roads from Friday, December 1.
Last year one in 30 drivers stopped The key messages for drivers over the festive season are:
There is zero tolerance for drink-driving.
More than 20,000 vehicles are stopped by the police in Scotland every month.
When it comes to drinkdriving, the best approach is none.
You’ll face an automatic 12-month ban, a criminal record for a lengthy period, an unlimited fine, and could even go to prison for up to six months. during the festive season was over the legal drink limit compared with one in 35 motorists over the same period in previous year.
More than 20,000 drivers are stopped by the police every month.
In the eyes of the law it doesn’t matter if you’re only slightly over the limit, you are still a drunk driver and a criminal – there is no grey area.
Mr Matheson said: “Unfortunately there is a persistent minority of drivers who continue to ignore the law.
“These people are not only risking
The vehicle forfeiture scheme means that, in some cases, your car can be seized and crushed.
Think about how you’re going to get home before you head out – and remember to their own lives and licences but are risking the safety of others 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 for a lengthy period and a substantial fine.
“Furthermore, a drink-driving conviction can have significant social and employment consequences.
“I welcome the action being taken by Road Safety Scotland and Police consider any journeys you might have to make in your car the morning after. Don’t risk it. Don’t drink and drive. Find out more by visiting www.dontriskit.info Scotland to tackle those who think it is okay to have just one drink and drive their car, as well as reckless road users, both of whom are breaking the law.
Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone, said: “Between December last year and January 2017, 625 drivers failed a breath test.
“It’s disappointing that some drivers are continuing to take unnecessary risks, affecting their own safety and that of other road users.
“Police Scotland have a zero tolerance policy on drink-driving Detected drink/drug driving offences including failure to provide a specimen in Scotland from December2 to December 19, 2016.
Division and number of offences North East Tayside Highland and Islands Forth Valley Edinburgh Lothians and Borders Fife Greater Glasgow Ayrshire Lanarkshire Argyll and West Dunbartonshire Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Dumfries and Galloway Police Scotland total
48 24 23 24 22 39 30 55 28 50 19 19 7 388 and over the festive period we will be increasing our activity to ensure those risk-takers are removed from the road.
“We’re urging people to plan ahead to help keep our roads safe over the party season. Think about how you’re going to get home before going out – and journeys you’ll make the morning after.”
● For more information log on to dontriskit.info or the Road Safety Scotland Facebook and Twitter (@ roadsafetyscot) pages. Or go to roadsafetyscotland.org.uk
There is a persistent minority of drivers who continue to ignore the law