126 caught in Scots drink/drugs blitz 21 | 12 | 2010

MORE THAN 100 Scots motorists were caught drink-driving in the second week of the national festive police campaign. Another seven were found to be driving under the influence of drugs.

Across Scotland, police officers detected 119 offenders who were driving while over the legal alcohol limit; the figures compare with 126 drink-drivers and one who was unfit through drugs for the same period last year.

Two examples over the last seven days highlight the extreme danger, ignorance and stupidity of drivers willing to take not only their life in their hands, but those of innocent people.

Central Scotland Police in Bridge of Allan caught one driver on December 17 after being reported by a member of the public. He had been lying by the road, then was seen getting in his car and driving off. He was five times the legal limit.

Two days later, police in Grangemouth received an anonymous call reporting that a man was driving under the influence. When officers stopped the vehicle, they found two children — aged nine months and four — with the driver, who subsequently provided a positive breath test.

Bad enough, but he also had a similar conviction from last year and the vehicle is now subject to the Forfeiture Scheme.

Strathclyde Police detected 45 offenders for drink-driving and four for driving under the influence of drugs.

"Although figures are slightly down on the same period last year, nearly 120 people still thought it appropriate to drive whilst under the influence of alcohol," Chief Superintendent Brian Anderson, of the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, said, "and another seven were caught driving whilst impaired by drugs.

"The message must get out to this minority of drivers who continue to risk their lives and the lives of other road users. Don't risk it.

"I would encourage anyone who suspects that a person is driving or attempting to drive whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs to contact the police."

Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/scotcars