Drink and drug drivers targeted in Tayside Police crackdown
Tayside Police are launch a two-week crackdown on drink and drug drivers as part of a national Summer Safety Campaign.
- By Graeme Bletcher
- Published in the Courier : 05.07.10
- Published online : 05.07.10 @ 09.30am
Powers to demand breath tests will be fully used across the region.
Officers are hoping to see a repeat of the success of last year's initiative, which led to 31 arrests across Tayside.
A third of those caught under the influence were 25 or younger, while two-thirds were between 26 and 55.
Head of road policing Chief Inspector Sandy Bowman said public support is crucial to catching drink or drug drivers, with around half of all arrests coming directly from a tip-off call.
He said, "We are committed to dealing with drink/drug drivers and campaigns such as this give us an opportunity to remind everyone of the dangers of driving under the influence or drink and/or drugs.
"A minority of people, whether unintentionally or otherwise, may consume alcohol and be over the legal limit to drive, but they still get behind the wheel of a car with potentially disastrous consequences.
"Others may choose to break the law and take illegal drugs and this too presents a huge risk if that person then drives — more so if they have also taken alcohol."
Due to the amount of extra public events and social gatherings held throughout the summer, the number of people willing to risk driving while intoxicated increases substantially.
Anyone who is caught driving with alcohol or drugs in their system can expect to be kept in custody and put before the courts leading to a fine, disqualification or imprisonment, and possibly to the loss of a vehicle and job.
Mr Bowman warned revellers against taking the risk of attempting to judge how many units of alcohol are in their body.
He said, "There are too many imponderables in hazarding a guess over whether or not you are fit to drive-home measures, different strengths of beer, wine and spirits and the fact that everyone's body processes alcohol at its own rate to name but a few.
"Don't play the guessing game. If you are drinking do not drive.
"Furthermore, be aware that the following day you might have more than just a sore head.
"If you were out the night before, you might very well have done the responsible thing and not driven, but you could still be over the limit the following day."
People on prescribed or over-the-counter medication must ensure they are able to operate their vehicle correctly.
Sleeping pills, anti-depressants, pain killers, cold and flu remedies, antihistamines and eye drops can all affect reaction times and should be checked before use.
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