Drink drivers still a serious threat on Scotland's roads

The latest figures released by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) have shown that the message to motorists about the dangers of driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs does not appear to be getting through.

As part of ACPOS' annual summer campaign, police forces across Scotland have been carrying out high profile and unmarked patrols to target those risking their lives and the lives of others.

Over a period of just seven days, 116 people were reported for drink driving, an additional three were detected whilst unfit through alcohol and 16 were unfit through drugs.

The two week summer safety campaign aims to drive home the message that driving whilst affected by drugs or alcohol creates a serious risk of accident or injury, is irresponsible and unacceptable to society in general.

Assistant Chief Constable Tom Ewing from Fife Constabulary, who is the ACPOS Road Policing Business Area Secretary said:

‘I am disappointed by these figures, which show an increase in the number of offenders caught compared to the first week of last year’s campaign.

‘Driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs is completely unacceptable. Those who do it are not only risking their own lives but are completely disregarding the safety of their passengers and other road users.”