Don't drink or take drugs and then drive
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"DON’T drink or take drugs and get behind the wheel of a car."
That was the renewed plea from Police Scotland to motorists.
The warning follows figures for April so far which show that 32 people have been arrested for drink-drug driving across the north-east.
In one weekend alone, 13 drivers were arrested and of these, seven had been involved in collisions, although no-one was seriously injured.
The drivers arrested ranged from 19 to 75 years of age and covered incidents across the whole north-east area.
There were also instances of driving without a licence, not having insurance, dangerous driving, police assault and possession of drugs. Several drivers appeared in court from custody, others were released to appear in court in the near future.
Although the prescribed alcohol limit is 22 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath, a quarter of those motorists arrested in April have provided readings in excess of four times this level.
Road policing inspector Jon Barron said: "There have been many previous appeals for motorists not to put anyone at risk by drink-drug driving; themselves or others. The fact that some motorists are still willing to do so is extremely concerning.
"There is so much information freely available about the dangers. There has been so much publicity circulated on the possible consequences that no-one can have the excuse they didn’t know.
"Not only do they put themselves in obvious danger, but they are also risking the lives of other road users. Those who drive having had alcohol or taken drugs are at a much greater risk of being seriously injured or killed.
"In addition to these grave risks, the impact of being arrested for drink-drug driving can result in a large fine, a driving ban, the loss of your job, the loss of your vehicle and potentially imprisonment.
"By all means, go out, enjoy yourselves and drink responsibly. However, if you are, please don’t drive. It really is as simple as that."
Anyone who has information regarding anyone who they suspect is driving, or is about to drive, having consumed alcohol or whose ability may be impaired due to drugs, should contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
