Summer Safety Campaign - Focus on Drink/Drug Driving

Tayside Police, along with Scotland's other police forces, will embark on a two week annual Summer Safety Campaign from today (July 5), which will target those people who choose to drink or take drugs and then drive.

During last year's campaign 31 drivers were arrested for drink or drug driving in Tayside (24 men and 6 women). A third of those were 25-years-old or younger, while two thirds were between the ages of 26 and 55-years-old.

The public have been extremely supportive of previous campaigns. Indeed, around half of all those arrested by the police are as a result of a call from a member of the public.

The overwhelming majority of people recognise the obvious dangers of this type of behaviour and can be assured that Tayside Police has a constant focus on drink/drug drivers throughout the year.

But during the height of summer, when there is an increase in public events and social gatherings it is important to raise awareness of this issue and remind drivers of their responsibilities as road users.

Anyone who chooses to take alcohol or drugs and drive and is found to be either over the limit or who is unfit to drive can expect to be arrested, kept in custody and put before the courts, perhaps spending a weekend in the cells.

Chief Inspector Sandy Bowman, Head of Road Policing in Tayside 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.

‘‘During the summer months, we expect the weather to improve and hope that the sun will shine. When it does, people will take the opportunity to join with family and friends for barbecues and outdoor gatherings, or perhaps even to take in the World Cup. Larger organised events and concerts also provide a fantastic opportunity to socialise and relax in a convivial atmosphere.

‘‘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.''

People who are taking prescribed or over-the-counter medication also have a responsibility to make certain that it will not impair their ability to drive safely.

Drugs and medicines, such as sleeping pills, anti-depressants, pain killers, cold/flu or cough remedies and notably at this time of year some anti-histamines and eye drops may have an adverse effect on driver reaction times.

Anyone taking any kind of medication should always check it is safe to drive while it is in their system. Speak to your doctor, ask the pharmacist, or read the medication's label or leaflet and heed any advice or warning that is given.

No one can be in any doubt as to where the law stands in respect of the misuse of drugs, but people sometimes take a risk on what amounts of alcohol they can drink and still remain under the legal limit to drive.

Chief Inspector Bowman said:

‘‘Our advice is clear. Don't risk it! 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.''

Everyone should be aware of the consequences of being caught for drink/drug driving. Anyone in any doubt is reminded that it can lead to a fine, disqualification or imprisonment, as well as the loss of their vehicle. It can even lead to someone losing their job, their income, their home and even being shunned by family and friends.

There is also the significant impact that their actions have on other people, including any victims of the drink/drug driver as well families and friends whose lives can be, and often are, irreversibly changed in the event of a road traffic collision.

Tayside Police will fully utilise powers to require breath tests under the law and those involved in road traffic accidents, committing moving traffic offences or suspected of having consumed alcohol will be breath tested.

Any member of the public wishing to report a drink or drug driver should contact Tayside Police immediately on 0300 111 2222, or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If the circumstances are urgent - call 999. Your call might save someone's life.

www.tayside.police.uk

Other Local News from Dundee

• Booth one behind at German Open
• Murray to face Ito in first round
• Scobbie joins up at St Johnstone
• Motorway crash death woman named
• Peterborough boss chasing Swanson
• View All Latest News in Dundee