Police launch campaign to cut drink-driving on north-east’s roads

Mourning After: The new campaign has been launched by Grampian Police.

A new police campaign has been launched to reduce the number of people killed or injured on the north-east’s roads.

As they launched the Mourning After campaign, Grampian Police revealed that alcohol was a potential contributory factor in as many as 25% of all fatal road collisions in 2011.

It was also revealed that alcohol was a factor in 6% of all road collisions in Grampian.

Last year there were 206 collisions in Grampian which involved alcohol as a contributory factor and during May alone 45 motorists have been charged with driving while under the influence.

Roads policing inspector Roddy MacInnes said: “Too many people are needlessly killed or injured as a result of motorists using their vehicles irresponsibly.

"To see such a high proportion of fatal collisions happen as a result of alcohol – either by a motorist or pedestrian – is absolutely shocking. Unfortunately, there is only so much Grampian Police can do in isolation and we need the public to not only support us by reporting any motorists but to do what they can to prevent it in the first place.”

First Minister Alex Salmond has also given his backing to the campaign.

He said: "It is very welcome that Grampian Police are launching this important campaign to save lives and remind people of their responsibilities.

"Drink-driving has devastating consequences for the victims of this reckless behaviour.

"Clearly attitudes have to change but it is also of paramount importance that friends, family and colleagues take the opportunity to intervene and stop drivers from undertaking such behaviour."

People who read this story also read