Families of loved ones who lost their lives to drink-drivers have united to condemn a shocking new rise in the crime.
Statistics revealed by the Sunday Mail today show the number of culprits getting behind the wheel drunk in Scotland has increased, despite repeated campaigns to eradicate the offence.
Today, three families whose lives have been wrecked by drink-drivers speak out to appeal to people to do more to stop the offence.
Police Scotland has urged people to shop friends, family members and partners if they suspect them of driving drunk.
They will launch their own official campaign this week.
Ministers reduced the alcohol limit for drivers from 80 milligrammes per 100ml of blood to 50mg – or 22 micrograms (mcg) from
35mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – in 2014.
But statistics released by the force on Friday show officers detained 3092 motorists for being over the threshold between April and September.
The finding represented an increase of 5.3 per cent over the same period in 2018 when 2935 drivers were held.
in Glasgow after her taxi was hit by a drink-driver on his wedding day.
Charles Pease’s partner on the isle of Mull when she was involved in a smash.
And Julie Taylor, who compared the collision to a bomb explosion, was trapped inside her vehicle after a crash near Dundee.
Martin, 44, said: “We hope by sharing our story people will stop and think. If you choose to drink and drive, it could be your mum next time, your sister or even you.”
Charles, 64, said: “It’s as if someone had taken a swing at my legs with a baseball bat. It hit my mind, my heart, it hit everything. The world ended.”
Julie, 55, said: “I’m disgusted people still drink and drive.”
Superintendent Louise Blakelock, deputy head of road policing, said: “Unfortunately, drink-driving continues to be an issue and is across all age groups. That’s despite various campaigns highlighting the tragic outcomes that can happen if you drink and drive.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Just one case of drink-driving is one case too many. There must be zero-tolerance of this.”
