Drivers should not drink at all, MacAskill says
A new TV campaign was launched today in the run-up to the law change, which comes into force on 5 December.
However, justice secretary Kenny MacAskill told drivers the “best approach is to have no alcohol at all”.
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From next month, the blood alcohol limit will be reduced from 80mg in every 100ml of blood to 50mg in every 100ml of blood, meaning one drink could put some drivers over the limit.
A TV and radio campaign featuring the slogan “the best advice is none” will be backed by advice to drivers on social media and awareness events throughout Scotland.
Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill said: “We are doing everything we can to make sure everyone is informed about the new lower level.
“A persistent minority of people are still getting behind the wheel after drinking – that is unacceptable, it is putting lives at risk and it must stop. Our advice is simple, the best approach is to have no alcohol at all. Alcohol at any level impairs driving.”
Chief Superintendent Iain Murray, head of roads policing for Police Scotland, added: “An average of 20 die on Scotland’s roads each year and last year a further 90 were seriously injured and 340 slightly injured as a result of drink driving related collisions.”The new lower limit will reduce those numbers and the evidence from across Europe where the lower limit applies suggests we will see reductions in drink driving and blood alcohol counts.
“However, even at the new limit you are three times more likely to die in a crash than if you had taken no alcohol. It is clear, when it comes to drinking and driving, that the simple ‘the best advice is none’ message is the right one.”
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