And families urged to intervene to save lives
Colin. Yousaf added: “I was heartened to see the Sunday Mail’s campaign Leave the Keys. If this helps stop even one person from getting behind the wheel of a car after having a drink or taking drugs – then that is a good thing. More than that, it could save families across Scotland the heartache of burying a loved one or caring for a relative who has been severely injured by an impaired driver.
“My heart goes out to the families of Colin Taylor, Marie Laurie and Theresa Wade. They were killed by the reckless and selfish actions of drivers who had the arrogance to believe they could have a drink and then drive.
“Colin was driving with his wife to see their granddaughter, Marie was in a taxi on her way home after celebrating her son’s wedding and Theresa was on her way back home from work as a vet.
“All of them never got to finish their journey – killed by somebody who chose to drink and drive.”
Ministers reduced the alcohol limit for drivers in Scotland from 80 milligrammes per 100ml of blood to 50mg – or 22 micrograms (mcg) from 35mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – in 2014.
But statistics released by the force last month show off icers detained 3092 motorists for being under the influence between April and September.
The finding represented an increase of 5.3 per cent over the same period in 2018 when 2935 drivers were held.
Yousaf added: “The Scot t ish Government lowered the drink- drive limit five years ago and brought Scotland into line with most of Europe. But there is still a hardcore minority who thinks it is acceptable to ignore the law.
“Over the festive period, there is a temptation for some to enjoy their
Christmas parties to excess but, if they do, they must not drive. And, of course, they can still be over the limit and risking the lives of others the morning after.
“My message is clear – have a great time this festive season but do not take drugs or drink and drive.”
Police Scotland’s purge on road safety this year will be the first campaign to also target drivers who get behind the wheel on drugs.
Officers will be armed with roadside testing kits to detect offenders. Since their launch in October, police have recorded almost 100 positive results.
Yousaf said: “It’s a sad indictment of our society that some people still think it is acceptable to drink or take drugs and drive. Many people don’t realise when they get behind the wheel of a car they are activating a potential
Martin and wife Michelle. Left, Julie