A CRACKDOWN on drink and drug driving is being launched by Police Scotland today.
The new action comes as the latest figures show that motorists caught driving under the influence (DUI) has increased by a third in the past five years.
The annual Recorded Crime in Scotland report published last week showed 7,815 DUI offences in 2022/23 – compared with 5,863 in 2017/2018.
Separate figures from Transport Scotland reveal there are 20 deaths a year caused by drink driving.
During last year’s two week intelligence-led campaign, 585 roadside breath screening tests and 152 drug tests were carried out.
Officers detected 295 DUI offences – an astonishing failure rate of 40%.
However, analysis by breathalyser firm AlcoSense shows that, across the year, breath test failure rates in Scotland (3.5%) are considerably lower than in England & Wales (6%).
A study of 1,000 Scots by AlcoSense also found that 53% of motorists have now reduced the amount of alcohol they drink, when they will be driving later that day or the following morning.
“But there’s still a persistent minority who flout the law and drive above the limit”, comments MD Hunter Abbott.
“When you go out drinking this summer, plan ahead for how you’ll get home – whether it’s walking, public transport, taxi or designated alcohol-free driver.
“Even a small amount of alcohol slows reaction time, inhibits judgement and reduces concentration – increasing the likelihood of an accident.”
Police Scotland’s Summer blitz runs for three weeks, from 26 June to 16 July.
