Data on Edinburgh drink drivers released as police issue crackdown
Data released by the Recorded Crime in Scotland report comes as Police Scotland are launching their annual summer clampdown on rule breaking motorists, which runs until July 13.
Although the City of Edinburgh had close to 500 incidents reported, the capital pales in comparison with Glasgow which had 1,026 cases lodged with police.
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North Lanarkshire was the next worst locality with 745 offences and the Highlands closely followed with 654. South Lanarkshire had 493.
"Four in ten motorists (41 per cent) admitted to consuming more alcohol whilst Scotland was in lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic," said AlcoSense Managing Director Hunter Abbott. "Worryingly, 15 per cent said their drinking habits have remained at the same level since.
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"So it seems that, whilst most Scots are showing a far more responsible attitude towards drinking and driving, a stubborn hard core may account for the increase in alcohol-related accidents."
Abbott added: "When you go out socialising this summer, plan ahead for how you'll get home. And if you've been drinking the night before, test yourself with a personal breathalyser in the morning to check you're clear.
"The risk of being in a fatal accident increases significantly with alcohol in your system - even if you are below the legal limit."
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Police are warning drivers to leave their car at home when enjoying a drink during the summer months. Over the next two weeks, we will be conducting intelligence-led high visibility patrols and roadside checks to detect those driving under the influence of drink or drugs.
Officers will also be looking out for early morning motorists that may still be under the influence from the night before. During last year's festive enforcement campaign, Police Scotland conducted 4,779 breath tests and 963 roadside drug checks.
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