1 in 40 Drivers Stopped Over The Limit

More motorists have been caught over the drink drive limit so far this summer compared with 2014.

In the first two weeks of the 2015 Summer Drink Drive campaign one in 40 motorists breathalysed were under the influence, a rise from one in 55 last year.  A total of 186 were caught between 29 May and 12 June.

Scotland’s new lower drink drive limit was introduced on 5 December 2014, meaning one alcoholic drink can now put a driver over the limit of 80mg to 50 mg in 100 ml blood.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “With the police stopping thousands of drivers each month, there can be serious consequences for anyone caught drink driving. Even with the sun shining over Scotland, it’s never safe to drink and drive.
 
“Police breath tests show one in 40 stopped drivers is over the legal limit. That kind of reckless behaviour cannot be tolerated in Scotland – it puts everyone involved in danger. The reality is that having even one alcoholic drink before driving makes you three times more likely to be involved in a fatal car crash.
 
Chief Superintendent Iain Murray, Head of Road Policing at Police Scotland, said the statistics are "a timely reminder" ahead of the Summer, and that drinking and driving is not "just something that happens at Christmas"

"Targeting those who continue to put themselves and others needlessly at risk in this way is a year-round priority for the police. Scotland’s new drink driving limit means just one drink may be enough to fail a breath test and every day in Scotland more drivers than ever before are being stopped by Road Policing officers and the risk of being caught has therefore never been higher." He said
 
“Over the coming months, Police Scotland will continue its efforts to make Scotland's roads safer for all road users and reducing drink driving offences, or catching those who continue to do so, will remain a focus of activity across the country.”

'No grey area' 

Michael McDonnell, Director of Road Safety Scotland, said: “Even if you’re just over the limit, you’re still a drunk driver in the eyes of the law – there is no grey area. Despite what some people may think, eating plenty of food or having a perceived tolerance to alcohol doesn’t hinder its effects; even a small amount impairs your judgement and reactions. Drivers are taking a massive risk and face dire consequences if they’re over the limit behind the wheel.”