Clampdown on drink-driving in Scotland

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Police to breathalyse every driver they stop
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Scottish police are breathalysing drivers stopped for even minor offences to cut drink-driving

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Drink-drivers are being targeted as part of a special initiative in Scotland.

For the next two weeks, police will breathalyse every driver they stop, even if it is for more common traffic offences such as using a mobile phone, not obeying a road sign or not wearing a seatbelt.

Director for Road Safety for Scotland, Michael McDonnell, said: 'It takes much longer than you think for your body to process alcohol, so the chances of you being over the limit the morning after a night out are high.

One in seven road deaths in Scotland is a result of drink-driving.

Penalties for drink-driving include an automatic 12-month driving ban, a fine of up to £5000 and up to six months in prison.

If convicted, drivers will also have a criminal record for 20 years and can typically expect their insurance premium to triple.