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Festive drink drive blitz begins Festive drink-drive blitz begins
(40 minutes later)
Scotland's festive drink drive campaign has begun, targeting motorists who get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Scotland's festive drink-drive campaign has begun, targeting motorists who get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
The Festive Safety Campaign, which will continue until 3 January, has been officially launched by Transport Minister Tavish Scott.The Festive Safety Campaign, which will continue until 3 January, has been officially launched by Transport Minister Tavish Scott.
Last year 768 drivers were stopped for drink driving or refusing to give a breath test. Last year 768 drivers were stopped for drink-driving or refusing to give a breath test.
A further 40 were stopped for driving after taking drugs.A further 40 were stopped for driving after taking drugs.
That compared to 750 drink and 21 drug drivers for 2004/2005. That compared to 750 drink and 21 drug-drivers for 2004/2005.
Crimestoppers Scotland also received almost 200 telephone calls during last year's campaign period by people reporting potentially impaired drivers.Crimestoppers Scotland also received almost 200 telephone calls during last year's campaign period by people reporting potentially impaired drivers.
HOW THE CAMPAIGN WILL OPERATE Any driver involved in a collision, even if caused by another driver, will be breath-testedAny driver stopped for committing a moving traffic offence can be required to provide a breath sampleSuspected drug drivers can be forced to undertake roadside impairment tests to determine if they are fit to driveCalls to Crimestoppers are expected to double over the festive periodHOW THE CAMPAIGN WILL OPERATE Any driver involved in a collision, even if caused by another driver, will be breath-testedAny driver stopped for committing a moving traffic offence can be required to provide a breath sampleSuspected drug drivers can be forced to undertake roadside impairment tests to determine if they are fit to driveCalls to Crimestoppers are expected to double over the festive period
This year, Scottish forces will undertake a high profile, intelligence-led campaign and warned drivers that the chances of getting caught and losing their licences were higher than ever.This year, Scottish forces will undertake a high profile, intelligence-led campaign and warned drivers that the chances of getting caught and losing their licences were higher than ever.
Chief Constable Vine said: "It is of great concern that the figures have risen now for the past two years. It is amazing in this day and age and with all the publicity surrounding the impact of drink or drug driving that some people will still do it.Chief Constable Vine said: "It is of great concern that the figures have risen now for the past two years. It is amazing in this day and age and with all the publicity surrounding the impact of drink or drug driving that some people will still do it.
"The consequences of being caught can be devastating to anybody. You risk losing your licence, your job, your home, your relationship and it can have a ripple effect on your life that will last for years and years."The consequences of being caught can be devastating to anybody. You risk losing your licence, your job, your home, your relationship and it can have a ripple effect on your life that will last for years and years.
"On the other hand if you have had too much to drink or have taken drugs you run the bigger risk of crashing."On the other hand if you have had too much to drink or have taken drugs you run the bigger risk of crashing.
"You could lose your life or cause the deaths of your passengers and other innocent motorists.""You could lose your life or cause the deaths of your passengers and other innocent motorists."
He urged people to take taxis or buses if going out drinking and also the morning after.He urged people to take taxis or buses if going out drinking and also the morning after.
Mr Scott said: "I hope this ACPOS campaign encourages motorists across Scotland to think about their actions before they get into a car. If they don't, more people will tragically die on Scotland's roads."Mr Scott said: "I hope this ACPOS campaign encourages motorists across Scotland to think about their actions before they get into a car. If they don't, more people will tragically die on Scotland's roads."
The Crimestoppers free phone confidential number is 0800 555 111.The Crimestoppers free phone confidential number is 0800 555 111.