Press Release
19th December 2005

One for the Road “Deadly Shortcut to Jail,” McNeil Warns Motorists
MSP, Duncan McNeil, is warning drivers in his Greenock and Inverclyde constituency that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs this festive season is a deadly shortcut to a jail sentence.

Mr McNeil says that too many people across the west of Scotland lost sight of the spirit of Christmas last year by mixing alcohol and driving, resulting in 321 motorists being arrested for drink driving in Strathclyde.

This year, Strathclyde Police will undertake a high profile, intelligence-led campaign and Mr McNeil echoed their warning that this means the chances of getting caught and losing your licence are higher than ever.

He  said:

“It is very easy to get caught up in the celebrations at this time of year and that makes it even more important to remind people to drive safely and responsibly.  If you're going out this Christmas with friends, make the most of the party season, but don't chance drinking and driving.  Leave the car at home – don’t risk your job, your licence and your life.”
ENDS  

Notes
Research commissioned by the Scottish Executive last year showed that a high number of Scots do drive after drinking.  The main findings of the research are:

• Around one in five drivers say they have driven when they thought they might be over the limit and one in twenty admit to having done so within the last year;
• Around six out of ten drivers have driven a vehicle within a few hours of drinking some alcohol.  Four in ten have done so within the past year;
• Men, particularly younger men aged between 17 and 26, are more likely to drink before driving; and
• Drivers appear to be less aware of the risks of “next day” driving.

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