Police in Scotland have arrested more than 1,300 individuals for drink and drug driving offences during the recent festive season, according to figures released by Police Scotland. This crackdown aimed at reducing road accidents and ensuring road safety revealed a concerning number of impaired drivers on Scotland’s roads.
Key Statistics from the Police Scotland Campaign
From 1 December to 19 January, Police Scotland conducted an intensive campaign to combat drink and drug driving. The figures indicate a worrying trend of individuals choosing to drive under the influence:
- 1,367 total offences were recorded during the campaign period.
- Out of 4,779 breath tests, 439 individuals tested positive for alcohol.
- The campaign also included 963 drug wipes, resulting in 522 positive results for drugs, with an additional 83 arrests for drug use confirmed without the use of wipes.
- 101 individuals were arrested for driving while being unfit due to alcohol or drugs.
- 222 drivers were charged for failing to provide testing samples, either at the roadside or at the police station.
Regional Breakdown of Offences
Greater Glasgow had the highest number of offences, with 198 arrests, followed by Lanarkshire (191) and the North East (156). On the other hand, areas like Renfrewshire and Inverclyde (32) and Dumfries and Galloway (54) reported significantly fewer offences.
Police Scotland’s Ongoing Efforts
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, the head of road policing for Police Scotland, emphasized that efforts to tackle impaired driving would continue. She warned individuals considering driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, saying, “You will get caught.” Sloan underscored the long-term consequences of such decisions, including the potential devastation caused to other road users and the irreversible impact on the offenders’ lives.
She further stated, “Our officers are out every day, we will arrest you, and that will affect you for the rest of your life. It changes people’s lives and it is avoidable.”
A Call for Safer Roads
This initiative is part of a broader effort to make Scotland’s roads safer during the festive season, when the temptation to drink or use substances may be heightened. However, the statistics highlight the ongoing challenges and the necessity of continued vigilance and public education to prevent further tragedies caused by impaired driving.
