Young drink-drivers targeted in new campaign

GRAMPIAN Police are targeting young drink-drivers in rural areas throughout the north-east region in a new campaign.

POlice say that moren than a third of the 720 drink or drug drivers caught in Grampian in 2011, were aged between 17 and 25. POlice said the statistics tally with the disappointing results of a poll last week, where 30% of young drivers said they would consider drink-driving.

The "Who’s Pulling You?" campaign is aimed at cutting the number of young drink-drivers who are putting their lives at risk on rural roads, which tend to be much more dangerous and icy than city roads.

Specially-designed posters will be distributed at licensed premises and a radio campaign will run over the festive period.

The Aberdeenshire area has been singled out as the worst, due to the distance between rural homes and local licensed premises means that accessing them is not as easy as simply walking down the street.

Drink driving brings the obvious safety dangers such as being involved in a collision, or knocking someone down which could leave long lasting emotional and physical scars.

There are also far reaching consequences for the individual’s family and friends, including the loss of employment, loss of a licence and with the introduction of the forfeiture scheme, loss of a car.

The forfeiture scheme allows for the individual’s vehicle to be seized by the court upon conviction of a repeat drink or drug driving offence or where a first time offender has a reading at least three times the legal limit.

"It’s really not worth risking your job, your friends and most importantly your life, and that of others, by getting behind the wheel when you’ve had a few drinks," said a police spokesperson. "We hope this campaign will make young drivers think twice before they drink, and weigh up the consequences of their decision."

"We want everyone to have a fun and safe festive period," she added. "We don’t want to see anyone have their Christmasses- and their lives – ruined by a drink-driving charge."

Police say that anyone who is intent on drinking and then getting behind the wheel, should be warned – they will be out in force over Christmas, and will find you."

Drink or drug drivers can be reported 24 hours a day on 0845 600 5 700 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.