Date: 24 April 2008
Lothian and Borders Police are gearing up for the 2-week National ACPOS Drink/Drug Drive campaign, which starts on 14th July. Drink driving is something the police target all year round, however these campaigns are launched to highlight the pitfalls of drink driving and to remind you just how easy it is to be caught out.
With the warm summer nights thankfully drawing closer, the temptation is there to have 'just one more' in the bars after work or even at lunchtime. Barbeque season means 'house measures' when it is difficult to tell how many units you have consumed. Even those conscientious enough to leave the car behind when drinking can be caught out by the effects of the morning after. Drinking a bottle of wine can take 12 hours to leave the body but the penalties for being caught the morning after are no less than if you got in your car straight after finishing the bottle.
Those convicted of drink driving face not only an automatic driving ban but also a substantial fine and criminal record - yes, criminal! Added to this, the knock-on effects can be just as traumatic with those dependant on cars to commute to work facing costly travel alternatives along with awkward explanations to colleagues and employers. Even when the driving ban elapses, insurance premiums can be expected to at least treble. For those who need to drive for or during work, the consequences of drink driving are even worse.
98% of drink drivers caught by Lothian and Borders Police during the last drink drive campaign were of 'working' age. Whilst a breakdown of employment details for those caught is not available, it is safe to assume a significant proportion will be working for organisations in this area. It is therefore important for employers as well as employees to be aware of the risks and to take a firm stance. Drink driving is shameful and any socially responsible employers should condone members of staff caught in this way.
It is all too easy to think it will never happen to you and that you won't be stopped if you drive a nice car. Don't be fooled - anyone committing even the most trivial motoring offence can be stopped and breathalysed, especially during rush hours which will be a focal point of the forthcoming campaign.
For more information please contact Inspector Jill Kerr, Road Policing Branch, 0131-311-3088.
